Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth said he is preparing for a bruising 80-minute battle against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday in the opening Test of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour, and agreed that it could be a proper grind.
Scotland is ranked seventh in the world and the Springboks second, but this, and South Africa’s encouraging track record against the Scottish, did not give the Boks a false sense of security going into the game.
“They are a good team,” said 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 Vodacom 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.”
With Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus opting for seven forwards on the replacements bench, there was a fair bit of talk at the captain’s media conference about the forward battle, and Etzebeth agreed that it would be decisive in the outcome of the match.
“On paper, we have a good bench, but games are not won on paper,” said Etzebeth. “Scotland also has a quality bench who’ll also want to make a big impact, so we don’t read too much into that sentiment (that this is one of the best benches named yet in rugby).”
South Africa’s most capped player, who will extend his record to 129 Test caps on Sunday, added: “Everything starts with the forwards except for the restarts, and most matches these days are won and lost up front. We have great respect for Scotland as a team and their forward pack, so we have to be at our best to beat them.”
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