Former Scotland prop WP Nel believes his adopted nation must “stay in the fight” up front if they are to challenge the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The 40-year-old South African, who earned 61 Test caps for Scotland and faced the Boks at the 2023 World Cup, says the visitors have the attacking talent to trouble the world champions – provided they get front-foot ball.
“It all comes down to being able to take the opposition on up front and stay in the fight, which will give opportunities for the backs to attack,” Nel told Rugby365.
“We know Scotland’s backs are really good with go-forward ball. There’s a lot of X factor in there, so if you give them front-foot ball, they can do a lot of damage.
“We saw that [in their 47-38 win] against Los Pumas [in Córdoba]. If you give them space and opportunities, they will hammer you.”
MORE: Scots ‘not going to Loftus to lose’
However, Nel knows the challenge will be far greater in Pretoria.
“We know the Boks are No 1 in the world and why they are in that position,” he said. “It’s not just their pack that’s amazing, the Boks have a firing backline.
“It will be a tough one, but if Scotland can somehow live with South Africa’s pack and provide opportunities for their backs, I think we’ll see some exciting rugby.”
TUIPULOTU: Boks a different animal
Nel believes Scotland can match the Boks early on, but fears South Africa’s renowned replacements could prove decisive.
“I know [Scotland scrum coach] Pieter de Villiers will have something up his sleeve. There would definitely be something. I know him and [Springbok scrum coach] Daan Human are good friends as well.
“Can Scotland hold up for 80 minutes against the Boks? I think we can start well, but we might be a bit thin on the bench.
“I want to say yes, we can live with the Boks for some time, but the [Bok] bench will be the difference.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Kilted Saffa wary of Bok bench appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Scotland prop WP Nel believes his adopted nation must “stay in the fight” up front if they are to challenge the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The post Kilted Saffa wary of Bok bench appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
