Rassie Erasmus believes the “aura” of Murrayfield can be a levelling factor when his South Africa side face Scotland on Sunday.  

Erasmus’ side go into the match as the number one team in the world, but the Springbok coach believes that counts for little against the seventh-placed Scots.  

“Scotland think they’re going to win on Sunday,” Erasmus declared.   

“We know if we’re a little bit off our game we’re in for a very long day. 

“The aura of Murrayfield and the way the crowd are - a lot of things like that play a role, and a guy like Finn is just so comfortable, it looks like he’s running an orchestra.” 

The last time the two sides met, in Marseille at the Rugby World Cup 14 months ago, the Boks led 6-3 at half-time before pulling away to win 18-3 and kick off the defence of their title with a win. 

Scotland’s form has been patchy since, with a mixed Six Nations followed by four summer wins against tier-two opposition on a developmental tour of the Americas.  

And despite a side showing 11 changes from the team that beat Argentina to win The Rugby Championship, Erasmus insists he is not taking Scotland lightly. 

He added: “I remember when we took over in 2018, we were number six in the world - and within a year and a half we won the World Cup. So things can change very quickly. 

“I think a number six or seven team can beat a number one or two team on the day, definitely.” 

Erasmus has opted to leave captain Siya Kolisi and former World Player of the Year Pieter Steph du Toit on the bench for Sunday’s game, with Eben Etzebeth to lead a South Africa side that features 11 of last year’s Rugby World Cup final matchday 23. 

Siya Kolisi is on the bench for the SpringboksSiya Kolisi is on the bench for the Springboks (Image: SNS) The star duo are part of a 7-1 bench, with almost a full forward pack deployed to combat the home pack, which Erasmus said is a sign of the hosts’ strength up front.  

"It’s not to say we think the Scottish pack are weak,” he said from the team’s hotel in Edinburgh city centre.  

“It’s actually because we think the way they contest, and the way Pieter de Villiers coaches them, it’s going to be really competitive.” 

Erasmus said he is preparing his side for a “massive arm-wrestle" at Murrayfield, but clearly expects a trick or two from his Scotland counterpart.   

“[Gregor Townsend] will never have a boring gameplan,” he added.  

The Springboks coach was informed of Townsend’s selection during his press conference and admitted to some surprise that Tom Jordan had been handed the number 15 jersey, with Blair Kinghorn returning on the right wing.  

Tom Jordan (right) will start for Scotland at fullbackTom Jordan (right) will start for Scotland at fullback (Image: SNS)

“We thought they would play Kinghorn on the wing but I didn't see the fullback coming," Erasmus said.   

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“We had a feeling that when Darcy Graham was injured they might put their best player under the high ball on the wing but we're going to have to do some homework in the next 24 hours on him [Jordan] specifically."

South Africa:Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Jaden Hendrikse; Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth (captain), Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith 

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Grant Williams