Outgoing Tour – “Scotland Is Going To Be A Massive Game” – Duane Vermeulen

 

The Springboks are bracing themselves for a physical onslaught from Scotland when the teams meet at Murrayfield on Sunday in their opening match of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour.

Duane Vermeulen, a member of SA Rugby’s Mobi unit and a double Rugby World Cup-winning No 8, said both teams have evolved since meeting in the RWC pool stages in France last year when they last crossed paths.

“It is going to be a massive game,” Vermeulen said.

“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."

“Sunday will tell (if they improved), but they will be up for it. It is a home game for them, in front of their fans. It is not at a neutral venue. We need to be wary of what we are going to get on Sunday.”

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.

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. They are definitely doing something right, here in Scotland."