Mindset the key to Springboks' success, says Duane Vermeulen

But the former number eight, who retired after winning the Rugby World Cup last year and to become part of Rassie Erasmus’ backroom staff, believes the current Scotland side will give them a serious contest at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Sunday. 

Read more:

• Scotland need to be better in all areas to beat Springboks, says Townsend

• Facing Springboks a 'big moment' for Scotland, admits Scott Cummings

"They’re definitely going to be up for it,” the 38-year-old declared at the Springboks’ first media conference of the week.  

He added: “It’s home ground in front of their people, so obviously you would like to be up for it when you play at home. 

“A couple of guys have been brought into the squad and they’ve been playing well at franchise level.  

“Look back at last year’s champions - it’s Glasgow. So they’re definitely doing something right over here in Scotland. We need to be wary of what we’re going to get on Sunday.”  

Glasgow Warriors won the URC by beating the Bulls in Pretoria (Image: Getty) But asked what it would take to extend South Africa’s winning run against Scotland, which currently stands at eight matches stretching back to 2010, the former Ulster forward said: "The big thing is your mindset. If you get your mind right, everything else will follow.”  

Gregor Townsend said after Scotland’s win over Fiji he expects Sunday's match to be open, in contrast with the Springboks side of the recent past.  

Vermeulen said the world champions were continuing their pursuit of a perfect gameplan.  

“We got in different coaches - we got in Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery and they both bring their own attributes and strengths to the squad. 

“We’re also developing as a team and it’s not always the same picture that you will get from the past couple of seasons.  

“We’re in a bit of a transition and I think it’s the same with the Scottish team. If you look at the Scotland team, they always tend to run the ball.  

“The tactical game has been a bit of a focus for them. That’s the thing they’ve really worked on and they’re doing it well. 

“Everyone is striving to get the complete game, and if you get the right guys in, then hopefully you can succeed.” 

Ruan Nortje knows all about the threat of Scottish sides, having captained the Bulls during the URC final defeat to Glasgow Warriors. 

Ruan Nortje led the Bulls in last season's URC Grand Final (Image: Getty Images) The 26-year-old knows the world champions will need to be right on their game this weekend. 

The lock said: “Your preparation has to be on point and you have to know excactly what you've got to do and what to expect from the opposition.  

“As South Africans we also pride ourselves on our attitude and the way we implement ourselves." 

Nortje is expected to add to his eight caps in the second row on Sunday, but said the pain of the URC final defeat will not be his main motivation.  

“I don't need stuff like that to motivate me,” the lock said.  

"I have reviewed my personal game and what could have been done better. They [Glasgow] were better on the day and deserved it.  

“If I get the opportunity to play this weekend I'll try to prep myself to the best of my ability and play my game to represent my country."