Springboks
South Africa’s wing Jesse Kriel (C) is tackled by Scotland’s full-back Stuart Hogg (L) and Scotland’s wing Duhan van der Merwe during the Autumn International friendly rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on November 13, 2021. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

Home » Springboks not looking beyond Scotland at all

Springboks not looking beyond Scotland at all

The Springboks cannot afford to underestimate Scotland one bit or they could be facing elimination from the World Cup.

By James Richardson
08-09-23 10:25
in Featured
Springboks
South Africa’s wing Jesse Kriel (C) is tackled by Scotland’s full-back Stuart Hogg (L) and Scotland’s wing Duhan van der Merwe during the Autumn International friendly rugby union match between Scotland and South Africa at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on November 13, 2021. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

The Springboks know that their first match of the Rugby World Cup will be a vitally important one in the final shakeup of Pool B.

Bok veteran Duane Vermeulen said that the team have immediately shifted their mindset towards preparing to face Scotland.

SCOTLAND LOOM LARGE FOR SPRINGBOKS

ALSO READ: Springboks quick to move on from All Black trouncing

Scotland have a certain familiarity with South African rugby even if the sides only met twice between the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

The Springboks won both matches, which were contested at Murrayfield.

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However, Scotland have shown themselves capable of threatening France and Ireland in the Six Nations.

Vermeulen said that the Springboks would be out to sharpen up ahead of the match against Scotland on 10 September 2023.

Springboks Scotland
Duane Vermeulen of South Africa during the 2023 Castle Lager Rugby Championship. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

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“We made mistakes [against New Zealand] and there were a couple of things that didn’t go our way – discipline was one of them,” he said.

“We got a yellow card and penalties can make you lose a game, so we have to sharpen up on that.

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“I think there’s still a lot in the tank. We’ve got to prepare well for our first game against Scotland. All the focus is on Scotland from this moment on.”

LAYING DOWN A MARKER

The Springboks may not take any material benefit from their victory over the All Blacks but Vermeulen said if was a much-needed boost for the team after they were blown away by the New Zealanders in Auckland.

“We really wanted to play a full 80 after the last time we met, and I think the guys really played their part,” said Vermeulen.

“Our last game against New Zealand wasn’t great and our first 20 minutes was our worst performance against New Zealand ever. They capitalised on our mistakes.

“This week we’d worked on all those small things that didn’t go well. This is one step in the right direction – there are still one or two little things that we can tweak. The coaches are happy and the team’s really happy with the performance and hopefully we can build on that.”

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