The Springboks will make a highly-anticipated return to action when they face off against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday in the opening Test of the Outgoing Tour, with this Test preceding other encounters against England and Wales.
Kick off in Edinburgh is at 18:10 (SA time).
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Scotland are ranked seventh in the world, and the Springboks have now moved back to No 1, but it could still be a very closely-fought affair in Edinburgh.
They are a good team,” said stand-in Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth, who will lead the Boks for the 14th time on Sunday.
“They had a few impressive results in the Six Nations and so have their teams in the United Rugby Championship, so they are improving every year. This match is going to be a big challenge for us in all areas of the game.
“With their kicking game and pack, they’ll be up to face us. They also have a few South Africans in their ranks who will give them an idea of what to expect from us.”
Etzebeth added: “We consider them as one of the top nations in world rugby, just as we see the likes of Ireland and New Zealand, so we know it will be a physical encounter, and over and above that, it’s always tough playing at Murrayfield.
“Personally, it is one of my favourite grounds, but it’s going to be an epic encounter, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick expected an 80-minute grind on Sunday, and said a strong start will be beneficial as the Boks aim to make a notable impact from the outset.
“We want to start well and implement our game plan as well as possible from early on,” said Stick, “and we know Scotland will want to retain possession, so my view is that the team that starts well will have the best chance to maintain that momentum throughout the match.
“We cannot arrive at Murrayfield with the mindset that we will win because they have the players who can turn things on at any time and can punish you. They also have creative coaching staff.”
SPRINGBOKS V SCOTLAND TEAM LINE-UPS
Springboks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 22 Jasper Wiese, 23 Grant Williams
Scotland: 15 Tom Jordan, 14 Blair Kinghorn, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Grant Gilchrist, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Jamie Ritchie, 22 Jamie Dobie, 23 Stafford McDowall
Date: Sunday, November 10
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 16.10 (18.10 SA time)
Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce (England), Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
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