Duane Vermeulen says the Springboks know that Scotland are a very different beast these days and are bracing for a fierce and physical challenge at Murrayfield.
According to the veteran No.8 and SA Rugby Mobi-unit coach, both teams have made notable strides since their last clash in the Rugby World Cup pool stages in France last year.
Rassie Erasmus, coach of South Africa and Duane Vermeulen, Roving coach of South Africa during the 2024 Castle Lager Incoming Series Springbok Captain Run (Pic – Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix)
The Springboks arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday and began their preparations for the match on Tuesday with a gym and field training session, and there was a sense of anticipation and excitement among Bok lock Ruan Nortje and Vermeulen about the challenge ahead.
“We had a good week in Jersey with several training sessions, which were crucial to prepare us for this week,” said Nortje.
“Scotland are a dynamic team, and they have threats across the field, so we know it’s going to be a tough Test, but we are excited about the challenge ahead.”
The hard-working lock added: “They have a solid forward pack, so we are expecting a big onslaught from them, and we know we have to be ready for that mentally and physically.
“So, our preparation needs to be on point, and entering the match we need to be fully ready for the opposition is going to bring.”
Vermeulen, who has been with the Springboks in a coaching capacity since the beginning of the season, spoke equally highly of the Scottish side and said both teams could bring something different this week.
“The camp in Jersey was important to prepare us for this week from a game perspective and to acclimatise to the conditions,” said Vermeulen.
“This week a new challenge lies ahead against Scotland. They’ve certainly changed their approach in the last few years, so we are expecting a proper Test match.”
When quizzed about Scotland coach Gregor Townsend’s comments about the way the Springbok attack, in particular, had changed with Tony Brown on the Bok coaching team, Vermeulen said: “We’ve changed a few things in a sense with Tony and Jerry Flannery on our coaching team.
“They definitely bring a different flavour and varying attributes, so we are developing as a team. But Scotland are also in a transition phase, and their tactical approach has changed as well, and it’s really been working for them.”
Asked if they expected to face a different Scottish outfit, especially in terms of their approach to the game, compared to the past, Vermeulen said Sunday’s Test will show what the hosts can do.
“They are playing at home in front of a passionate home crowd, and they’ll certainly be up for the game,” said Vermeulen.
“They’ve also brought a few players into their squad who are performing well, and Glasgow won the Vodacom United Rugby Championship last season, so they are definitely doing something right.”
Nortje, meanwhile, was thrilled about the opportunity to get regular game time this season after starting in five of the Boks’ six Tests in their triumphant Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign.
“South Africa is a place where you could say world-class locks are bred, so it’s a tough position to play in, but personally I see it as an awesome challenge,” said Nortje.
“I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be here today, and it shows that hard work pays off. It’s a privilege and my attitude personally is to approach each game as if it is my last and to embrace every chance I get to play.”
The match kicks off on Sunday at 16h10.
