Springboks v Scotland preview: Defending World Cup champions to scrape a win

Jared Wright
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Springboks fly-half Manie Libbok, captain Siya Kolisi, Scotland skipper Jamie Ritchie and playmaker Finn Russell - Rugby World Cup

South Africa face Scotland as they kick off their Rugby World Cup title defence.

The Springboks kick off their title defence with a mouth-watering clash against Scotland in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup.

This will be the third clash between the sides since 2018 after the Test series in 2020 was called off.

The last time the two teams squared off was in November 2021, with South Africa emerging 35-15 victors at Murrayfield.

It will also be the third time the nations have clashed in a Rugby World Cup, with the Boks winning 46-29 in Edinburgh in 1999 and 34-16 in Newcastle in 2015.

South Africa head into the World Cup off the back of a resounding victory over Wales (52-16) and a record win over the All Blacks (35-7) at Twickenham.

Meanwhile, Gregor Townsend’s side enter the tournament ranked fifth overall and enjoyed a strong run into the World Cup, defeating Italy (25-13), France (25-21) and Georgia (33-6). They did, however, fall to a 30-27 defeat at the hands of Les Bleus before their Test with Georgia.

An enthralling battle awaits as the Springboks’ might clashes with the Scots flair in a hotly contested pool that features world number one Ireland as well as Tonga and Romania.

Where the game will be won

The Springboks are the bookies’ favourites on Sunday, but the world champions will be wary of the threat Scotland pose. South Africa’s traditional strengths up front have come to the fore once again after their scrum, lineout, and maul led the charge as they swept the All Blacks aside.

However, Scotland’s pack has impressed during the build-up to the tournament, with Townsend’s charges not only getting parity against the renowned Georgian scrummaging unit but dominated in that facet of the game.

Both sides have electric talents in their backlines and fly-halves with the Midas touch to unlock any defence, but they will need the platform set up front to do so.

Gaining dominance or parity in the lineouts and scrums, in particular, will go a long way to securing victory for either side.

Last time they met

What they said

Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber expects a tight tussle on Sunday and highlighted the threat Scotland have posed over the past four seasons.

“Scotland are a quality team with a strong pack and skilful backs, and they play with a lot of intensity, so we need to be sharp on attack and defence on Sunday,” he said.

“They have proved in the last few seasons that they can beat any team, and with this being the opening game of the World Cup for both sides, they will be equally as charged up as us for the match.”

Meanwhile, loose forward Duane Vermeulen zoned in on the threat that Scotland fly-half Finn Russell poses.

“Scotland love to play on quick ball, and Finn Russell is the kingpin in that position,” he said. “He’s a magician with ball in hand. He’s got a massive playbook in his head and is just a fantastic individual player.

“It’s a guy we really have to sit down and have video sessions (on) and have a look at what he does.”

Scotland assistant coach Pieter de Villiers spoke highly of his nation of birth ahead of the clash.

“They are world champions, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to play against them. They have recently shown why they are champions (beating New Zealand in a warm-up match),” he said.

“They did well against the All Blacks and excelled in their strengths, which is the set-piece and defence. We know what will be coming our way. Each team has got different super-strengths.

“It’s about the team that is going to do the best in bringing those to the table and making sure we impose how we want to play. That’s really important.”

He also commented on taking on the Springboks at the set-pieces: “You can never hide from the set-piece. It is about taking them on, it’s always about that one-on-one physicality. There is no hiding in the set-piece.”

Scotland lock Scott Cummings added: “We are excited for that first game. South Africa are playing well. We know how they play; they play their style. We know what’s coming. There are things we are trying to get up on that. It’s a massive game, first game of the tournament against the last tournament’s champions.”

Players to watch

There are talented players littered throughout both 23s, but arguably none as influential as Springboks captain Siya Kolisi. The 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning skipper made a remarkably rapid recovery from injury and has impressed in his two appearances ahead of the tournament against Wales and New Zealand. While his leadership is a big aspect of his game, Kolisi is still a force to be reckoned with on the pitch with his ability to pilfer the ball, and break open defences with his thunderous carries while he is relentless on defence.

While there are world-class talents throughout the Springboks pack, they have several excellent backs, too, one of which will be hitting the milestone of 50 Test caps on Sunday. Faf de Klerk was a crucial member of the 2019 World Cup-winning team and has continued to be a vital cog on the Boks’ squad since. Whether it is his excellent box-kicking game, furious defence or sniping breaks, De Klerk is a handful for any team.

Our final Bok to watch also comes from the backline, with Damian Willemse surprisingly preferred at full-back over Willie le Roux for the World Cup opener. The talented Springbok back can feature in multiple positions in the backline but has seemingly settled at full-back and will look to light up the clash with every opportunity he gets. With Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse joining him in the backfield, South Africa have a potent counterattack.

Much like South Africa, Scotland have an inspirational talent at flank in the form of captain Jamie Ritchie. The old cliche of leading from the front rings true with Ritchie as he is an excellent lineout jumper, a threat over the ball, and a tenacious tackler. If Scotland are to beat the odds and claim a victory over the Boks, Ritchie will be paramount to their cause.

Since making his Test debut for Scotland in 2022, Jack Dempsey has become a cornerstone of the Scottish back-row. The 29-year-old works tirelessly on both sides of the ball and often finishes games as the top tackler and carrier for his side. He also has a knack for scoring tries at key times or in the big games and will be raring to go against the physical Springbok pack.

There are box-office talents throughout the Scotland backline, including Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, and Darcy Graham, but arguably none so more than powerhouse winger Duhan van der Merwe. The brilliant wide man has beaten 60 defenders in his last eight Test matches this year, proving just how much of a handful he is. He dotted down three times during the Six Nations, adding a further three to his tally in the warm-up matches against France and Georgia.

Main head-to-head

It just had to be Manie Libbok versus Finn Russell. The two players with similar styles and approaches to the game, with a comprehensive kicking and passing range able to unlock even the best of defences. The pair’s kicking games are wildly underrated, and their influence and ability to make the most of any chance will be vital in the game’s outcome.

The pair of 10s will also be handed the kicking duties on Sunday, and with such a closely fought match expected, their accuracy from the tee could well decide the game, too.

Often dubbed as mavericks, make no mistake, the duo are more generals and game managers that are crucial to their respective teams’ success.

Prediction

There is very little separating the two teams going into the match, with either side’s ability to make the most of the momentum they gather likely to play a massive role in deciding the victor. Scotland have proved to be ruthless when entering the opposition’s 22, while the Boks have been happy to suffocate the opposition in their final third before being rewarded. With the hot conditions in France coming into play and the depth of the Springboks squad, South Africa have a marginal advantage enough to secure a 4-point victory.

Previous results

2021: South Africa won 35-15 in Edinburgh
2018: South Africa won 26-20 in Edinburgh
2015: South Africa won 34-16 in Newcastle
2014: South Africa won 55-6 in Port Elizabeth
2013: South Africa won 28-0 in Edinburgh
2013: South Africa won 30-17 in Nelspruit
2012: South Africa won 21-10 in Edinburgh
2010: Scotland won 17-21 in Edinburgh
2008: South Africa won 14-10 in Edinburgh
2007: South Africa won 27-3 in Edinburgh

The teams

South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Duane Vermeulen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Willie le Roux

Scotland: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Duhan van der Merwe, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Darcy Graham, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Jamie Ritchie (c), 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 David Cherry, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 WP Nel, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Matt Fagerson, 21 Ali Price, 22 Cameron Redpath, 23 Ollie Smith

Date: Sunday, September 10
Venue: Stade de Marseille
Kick-off: 17:45 local (16:45 BST, 15:45 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

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