Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes the world champions will need to be at their best to beat Scotland in the first match of a tour that captain Eben Etzebeth described as “make or break” for the Springboks.
Rassie Erasmus’ side added to their stellar trophy collection, which includes the last two World Cups, by winning The Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019. But Etzebeth believes the results of their three-match tour will determine the success of the calendar year for the ‘Boks.
And on a personal level, it has been a big year for the lock, who became the most capped South African of all-time in the summer.
The 33-year-old looked back on the year so far: “My first child was also born this year, that was probably the biggest highlight.
“Lots of things have happened - 2024 has been great. We've had some great results as a team.
“We want to come out with positive results."
Scotland last beat South Africa 14 years ago, but Etzebeth insists the tourists regard Gregor Townsend’s team as one of the best sides in the world.
"We see them as an Ireland or New Zealand or Australia or England. It’s going to be a physical Test match.
“We know it’s going to be a massive challenge for us in all areas, obviously the kicking game will be a big challenge for us with the [law] changes.
“They have always had good players come scrum time, and there are a few South Africans in there who will try to give them some insight into our game as well.”
And while New Zealander Tony Brown has helped the Springboks develop their attacking spark since his arrival on the coaching staff after their World Cup win, assistant coach Stick gave a clear indication of the visitors’ tactical plan.
Stick added: “When we prepare for Scotland, we prepare the same way we do for Ireland or the All Blacks. They are a very tough side to play, especially at home.
“This is not a game to try things. There might be one or two tricks to pull around but we still have to make sure our foundations are in place - we have to defend well and work hard.”
Rassie Erasmus has reverted to the 7-1 bench split dominated by gigantic South African forwards, Stick wants the Springboks to take control from the off.
"Scotland have got a coaching staff that is very creative. The last game we played against them was tough. Hopefully we can start well.”
If the Springboks don’t make good on that plan, Stick knows the hosts have the man to unpick their defence in fly-half Finn Russell.
“Finn on his day can punish any team,” Stick said.
“I remember very well the impact he had when he played against us for the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town. We have to be at our best to get a good result tomorrow.”
Double World Cup-winning fly-half Handre Pollard also heaped praise on the man he will go directly up against at Murrayfield.
"He's world-class. I love watching him play rugby. He's just got an unbelievable skillset, and it's so natural. It doesn't even look hard, but the great ones make it look that way.”
And Pollard, who scored a try in the 2018 meeting between the teams in Edinburgh, believes the ‘Boks will face a different challenge from the Scotland side they faced in Marseille at the Rugby World Cup last September.
“I think they've initially gone to a very attacking game two, three years ago, banking on that, and I think they tried that in the World Cup again.
“Lately, if you look at the past Six Nations, they've started kicking a lot more.
“I think they've understood that that attacking part is great to have, and it's nice, but you've got to have that kicking game and defence to back it up, and I think they've adapted their game.
“We're prepared for everything, but we know if we give them anything loose, it's going to be really chasing our tails, so we've got to be very sure.”
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