Le Roux expects Scotland to attack

Editor

Springbok full-back Willie le Roux thinks Scotland will produce an aggressive brand of rugby when they play against South Africa at St James' Park on Saturday.

Scotland were certainly very aggressive during their opening two World Cup matches, against Japan and the United States, and Le Roux does not think they will change against the Springboks, primarily because it has brought them significant success in the tournament thus far.

Scotland beat Japan 45-10 in their first game, before a splendid second-half performance saw them defeat the USA 39-16.

"Scotland scored four tries in both of their games so I would say they are going to play a more attacking game," said Le Roux, who is himself known to be attack-minded on the field.

The Springboks have always been more comfortable playing conservative, physical rugby. That is their strength and it might not be prudent for Scotland to adopt a similar approach. Le Roux's comments have suggested as much.

"We'll have to look at them and see what we're going to do against them, but I think we'll stick to our same game plan and just (attempt to) deliver on the day. I'm looking forward to it," he added.

Le Roux was a part of the Springboks team that completed an absolute demolition job against Samoa last weekend and he feels the two-time champions are most effective when they stick to their traditional approach.

"We decided in the week what we were going to do and we stuck to our plans, we stuck to our guns and delivered on the day. It was great to be out there again. It was a good result for us," said Le Roux.