Scotland Summer Tour, Game 4: South Africa v Scotland, 28 June

by **George Carlin** Sun 22 Jun 2014, 7:58 am

First topic message reminder :

South Africa v Scotland
28 June 2014, KO: 17:00 SAST (16:00 BST, 15:00 GMT)
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Live on Sky Sports 1

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Television match official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
Assessor: Donal Courtney (Ireland)

A. Previous tour game threads:
Scotland Summer Tour, Game 4: South Africa v Scotland, 28 June - Page 3 Vern-c10

Scotland Summer Tour, Game 4: South Africa v Scotland, 28 June - Page 3 Vern-c10

https://www.606v2.com/t54151-scotland-summer-tour-game-1-usa-v-scotland-7-june
https://www.606v2.com/t54218-scotland-summer-tour-game-2-canada-v-scotland-14-june
https://www.606v2.com/t54324-scotland-summer-tour-game-3-argentina-v-scotland-21-june

B. Teams:

I. South Africa
Scotland Summer Tour, Game 4: South Africa v Scotland, 28 June - Page 3 Charli10

Scotland Summer Tour, Game 4: South Africa v Scotland, 28 June - Page 3 Charli10

15 Willie le Roux - 14 caps, 30 Test points
14 Cornal Hendricks - 2 caps, 10 Test points
13 JP Pietersen - 53 caps, 80 Test points
12 Jan Serfontein - 11 caps, 5 Test points
11 Lwazi Mvovo - 8 caps, 5 Test points
10 Handré Pollard - uncapped
9 Fourie du Preez (vice-captain) - 69 caps, 75 Test points

8 Duane Vermeulen - 18 caps, 10 Test points
7 Schalk Burger - 70 caps, 65 Test points
6 Marcell Coetzee - 15 caps, 5 Test points
5 Victor Matfield (captain) - 112 caps, 35 Test points
4 Lood de Jager - 2 caps, 0 Test points
3 Jannie du Plessis - 53 caps, 5 Test points
2 Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain) - 59 caps, 45 Test points
1 Coenie Oosthuizen - 16 caps, 10 Test points

16 Adriaan Strauss - 33 caps, 25 Test points
17 Trevor Nyakane - 3 caps, 5 Test points
18 Marcel van der Merwe - uncapped
19 Stephan Lewies - uncapped
20 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje - uncapped
21 Francois Hougaard - 27 caps, 20 Test points
22 Marnitz Boshoff - uncapped
23 Zane Kirchner - 28 caps, 25 Test points

II. Scotland
Scotland Summer Tour, Game 4: South Africa v Scotland, 28 June - Page 3 Kareng10

Scotland Summer Tour, Game 4: South Africa v Scotland, 28 June - Page 3 Kareng10

15 Stuart Hogg
14 Sean Maitland
13 Nick De Luca
12 Peter Horne
11 Tommy Seymour
10 Duncan Weir
9 Henry Pyrgos

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Tim Swinson
5 Grant Gilchrist
6 Robert Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Adam Ashe

16 Kevin Bryce
17 Moray Low
18 Euan Murray
19 Jonny Gray
20 Tyrone Holmes
21 Grayson Hart
22 Dougie Fife
23 Peter Murchie

C. Numbers - head to head:

24 Played 24
19 Won 5
5 Lost 19
597 Points 264

D. Last Dozen Results

17 November 2013
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
0 – 28 to South Africa

15 June 2013
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
30 – 17 to South Africa

17 November 2012
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
10 – 21 to South Africa

20 November 2010
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
21 – 17 to Scotland

15 November 2008
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
10 – 14 to South Africa

25 August 2007
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
3 –27 to South Africa

17 June 2006
EPRU Stadium, Port Elizabeth
29 –15 to South Africa

10 June 2006
Kings Park Stadium, Durban
36 –16 to South Africa

27 November 2004
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
10 – 45 to South Africa

14 June 2003
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
28 –19 to South Africa

7 June 2003
Kings Park Stadium, Durban
29 –25 to South Africa

16 November 2002
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
21 –6 to Scotland

by **George Carlin** Wed 25 Jun 2014, 12:48 pm

Biltong wrote:

The Springbok team to face Scotland in Port Elizabeth is:
15 Willie le Roux - 14 caps, 30 Test points
14 Cornal Hendricks - 2 caps, 10 Test points
13 JP Pietersen - 53 caps, 80 Test points
12 Jan Serfontein - 11 caps, 5 Test points
11 Lwazi Mvovo - 8 caps, 5 Test points
10 Handré Pollard - uncapped
9 Fourie du Preez (vice-captain) - 69 caps, 75 Test points
8 Duane Vermeulen - 18 caps, 10 Test points
7 Schalk Burger - 70 caps, 65 Test points
6 Marcell Coetzee - 15 caps, 5 Test points
5 Victor Matfield (captain) - 112 caps, 35 Test points
4 Lood de Jager - 2 caps, 0 Test points
3 Jannie du Plessis - 53 caps, 5 Test points
2 Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain) - 59 caps, 45 Test points
1 Coenie Oosthuizen - 16 caps, 10 Test points
Replacements:
16 Adriaan Strauss - 33 caps, 25 Test points
17 Trevor Nyakane - 3 caps, 5 Test points
18 Marcel van der Merwe - uncapped
19 Stephan Lewies - uncapped
20 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje - uncapped
21 Francois Hougaard - 27 caps, 20 Test points
22 Marnitz Boshoff - uncapped
23 Zane Kirchner - 28 caps, 25 Test points

Any team with Zane in is weaker, but there are also a lot of inexperienced players in this team

Just to be clear, you're citing Willie Le Roux as a 'weakness' in the South African side? Laugh

I have to be honest and say that he didn't seem to be much of a weak link against Wales...

by **Biltong** Wed 25 Jun 2014, 1:04 pm

George Carlin wrote:
Biltong wrote:

The Springbok team to face Scotland in Port Elizabeth is:
15 Willie le Roux - 14 caps, 30 Test points
14 Cornal Hendricks - 2 caps, 10 Test points
13 JP Pietersen - 53 caps, 80 Test points
12 Jan Serfontein - 11 caps, 5 Test points
11 Lwazi Mvovo - 8 caps, 5 Test points
10 Handré Pollard - uncapped
9 Fourie du Preez (vice-captain) - 69 caps, 75 Test points
8 Duane Vermeulen - 18 caps, 10 Test points
7 Schalk Burger - 70 caps, 65 Test points
6 Marcell Coetzee - 15 caps, 5 Test points
5 Victor Matfield (captain) - 112 caps, 35 Test points
4 Lood de Jager - 2 caps, 0 Test points
3 Jannie du Plessis - 53 caps, 5 Test points
2 Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain) - 59 caps, 45 Test points
1 Coenie Oosthuizen - 16 caps, 10 Test points
Replacements:
16 Adriaan Strauss - 33 caps, 25 Test points
17 Trevor Nyakane - 3 caps, 5 Test points
18 Marcel van der Merwe - uncapped
19 Stephan Lewies - uncapped
20 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje - uncapped
21 Francois Hougaard - 27 caps, 20 Test points
22 Marnitz Boshoff - uncapped
23 Zane Kirchner - 28 caps, 25 Test points

Any team with Zane in is weaker, but there are also a lot of inexperienced players in this team
Just to be clear, you're citing Willie Le Roux as a 'weakness' in the South African side?

I have to be honest and say that he didn't seem to be much of a weak link against Wales...

I marked those with les than 20 test caps. Whistle

by **George Carlin** Wed 25 Jun 2014, 1:19 pm

Biltong wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
Biltong wrote:

The Springbok team to face Scotland in Port Elizabeth is:
15 Willie le Roux - 14 caps, 30 Test points
14 Cornal Hendricks - 2 caps, 10 Test points
13 JP Pietersen - 53 caps, 80 Test points
12 Jan Serfontein - 11 caps, 5 Test points
11 Lwazi Mvovo - 8 caps, 5 Test points
10 Handré Pollard - uncapped
9 Fourie du Preez (vice-captain) - 69 caps, 75 Test points
8 Duane Vermeulen - 18 caps, 10 Test points
7 Schalk Burger - 70 caps, 65 Test points
6 Marcell Coetzee - 15 caps, 5 Test points
5 Victor Matfield (captain) - 112 caps, 35 Test points
4 Lood de Jager - 2 caps, 0 Test points
3 Jannie du Plessis - 53 caps, 5 Test points
2 Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain) - 59 caps, 45 Test points
1 Coenie Oosthuizen - 16 caps, 10 Test points
Replacements:
16 Adriaan Strauss - 33 caps, 25 Test points
17 Trevor Nyakane - 3 caps, 5 Test points
18 Marcel van der Merwe - uncapped
19 Stephan Lewies - uncapped
20 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje - uncapped
21 Francois Hougaard - 27 caps, 20 Test points
22 Marnitz Boshoff - uncapped
23 Zane Kirchner - 28 caps, 25 Test points

Any team with Zane in is weaker, but there are also a lot of inexperienced players in this team
Just to be clear, you're citing Willie Le Roux as a 'weakness' in the South African side?

I have to be honest and say that he didn't seem to be much of a weak link against Wales...

I marked those with les than 20 test caps.

I also notice that young Pollard is the current IRB Junior Player of the Year.

What a bummer to have to revert to him, eh?

by funnyExiledScot Wed 25 Jun 2014, 1:20 pm

That starting Bok XV is frightening. I had hoped for a weaker Bok side.

Arguing over who starts for Scotland now has a "shifting deck chairs on the Titanic" feel to it.

by **Biltong** Wed 25 Jun 2014, 1:42 pm

George Carlin wrote:
Biltong wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
Biltong wrote:

The Springbok team to face Scotland in Port Elizabeth is:
15 Willie le Roux - 14 caps, 30 Test points
14 Cornal Hendricks - 2 caps, 10 Test points
13 JP Pietersen - 53 caps, 80 Test points
12 Jan Serfontein - 11 caps, 5 Test points
11 Lwazi Mvovo - 8 caps, 5 Test points
10 Handré Pollard - uncapped
9 Fourie du Preez (vice-captain) - 69 caps, 75 Test points
8 Duane Vermeulen - 18 caps, 10 Test points
7 Schalk Burger - 70 caps, 65 Test points
6 Marcell Coetzee - 15 caps, 5 Test points
5 Victor Matfield (captain) - 112 caps, 35 Test points
4 Lood de Jager - 2 caps, 0 Test points
3 Jannie du Plessis - 53 caps, 5 Test points
2 Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain) - 59 caps, 45 Test points
1 Coenie Oosthuizen - 16 caps, 10 Test points
Replacements:
16 Adriaan Strauss - 33 caps, 25 Test points
17 Trevor Nyakane - 3 caps, 5 Test points
18 Marcel van der Merwe - uncapped
19 Stephan Lewies - uncapped
20 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje - uncapped
21 Francois Hougaard - 27 caps, 20 Test points
22 Marnitz Boshoff - uncapped
23 Zane Kirchner - 28 caps, 25 Test points

Any team with Zane in is weaker, but there are also a lot of inexperienced players in this team
Just to be clear, you're citing Willie Le Roux as a 'weakness' in the South African side?

I have to be honest and say that he didn't seem to be much of a weak link against Wales...

I marked those with les than 20 test caps.
I also notice that young Pollard is the current IRB Junior Player of the Year.

What a bummer to have to revert to him, eh?

Well Lambie is injured, so he can't play Whistle

by **Biltong** Wed 25 Jun 2014, 1:43 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:That starting Bok XV is frightening. I had hoped for a weaker Bok side.

Arguing over who starts for Scotland now has a "shifting deck chairs on the Titanic" feel to it.

I don't think it could be that bad. By the way I have seen some tough deck chairs in my life, and as far as my memory goes, the Titanic sank. Shocked

by **Biltong** Wed 25 Jun 2014, 1:45 pm

To be fair, if you look at the Bok backline, it is rather inexperienced, and JP Pietersen is not in great touch, Fourie du Preez can control a game, but he isn't the threat he once was.

The pack might struggle at the breakdowns as there aren't any specialist pilferers there.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 25 Jun 2014, 1:59 pm

Biltong wrote:To be fair, if you look at the Bok backline, it is rather inexperienced, and JP Pietersen is not in great touch, Fourie du Preez can control a game, but he isn't the threat he once was.

The pack might struggle at the breakdowns as there aren't any specialist pilferers there.

No side struggles at the breakdown against Scotland.

We don't do counter-rucking, it's very "Southern Hemisphere" and perceived as a bit uncool up here.

by **George Carlin** Wed 25 Jun 2014, 2:53 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
Biltong wrote:To be fair, if you look at the Bok backline, it is rather inexperienced, and JP Pietersen is not in great touch, Fourie du Preez can control a game, but he isn't the threat he once was.

The pack might struggle at the breakdowns as there aren't any specialist pilferers there.

No side struggles at the breakdown against Scotland.

We don't do counter-rucking, it's very "Southern Hemisphere" and perceived as a bit uncool up here.

Totally. To commit people to a ruck would also allow fewer people to carry out our patented 'Swiss Cheese Glacial Draft Defence', which guarantees that the opposition cuts through the defensive line by second phase at the latest. That lulls them into a false sense of security, you see*.

*Chapter 8, paragraph 12 of "Coaching Rugby for Sheilas" by Scott Johnson and Franklyn Haddock.

by nickj Thu 26 Jun 2014, 12:13 pm

I cant seem to find out when the team's announced? I'm assuming its today?

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 12:22 pm

nickj wrote:I cant seem to find out when the team's announced? I'm assuming its today?

I suspect it'll be held back, just to give that element of surprise. We don't want the Boks to spend too long worrying about our combinations.

by nickj Thu 26 Jun 2014, 12:23 pm

I bet they're sh*tting themselves.

by **RDW** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 12:24 pm

Announced at 1pm I think

by nickj Thu 26 Jun 2014, 12:54 pm

Good stuff, for what its worth I'd pick:

1 - Dickinson
2 - Ford
3 - Welsh
4 - Gray
5 - Gilchrist (C)
6 - Harley
7 - Fusaro
8 - Holmes
9 - Prygos
10 - Weir
11 - Seymour
12 - Horne
13 - Hogg
14 - Maitland
15 - Murchie

16 - MacArthur
17 - Reid (or did he go home for a rest?)
18 - Murray
19 - Swinson
20 - Ashe
21 - Hart
22 - Heathcote
23 - Fife

Crikey that really is the bare bones isn't it...

by FerN Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:08 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
Biltong wrote:To be fair, if you look at the Bok backline, it is rather inexperienced, and JP Pietersen is not in great touch, Fourie du Preez can control a game, but he isn't the threat he once was.

The pack might struggle at the breakdowns as there aren't any specialist pilferers there.

No side struggles at the breakdown against Scotland.

We don't do counter-rucking, it's very "Southern Hemisphere" and perceived as a bit uncool up here.

We did last year didn't we? I thought we were going to lose as well.

by nickj Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:16 pm

http://scottishrugby.org/news/14/06/26/ashe-primed-fiery-encounter

Well, well, well Ashe, Swinson and De Luca to start. Hogg at 15.

Does Big vern believe in playing his guys in their best positions???

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) 23 caps, 6 tries, 1 penalty, 33 points

14 Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) 12 caps, 1 try, 5 points
13 Nick De Luca (Biarritz) 42 caps, 1 try, 5 points
12 Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps
11 Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors) 9 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

10 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) 14 caps, 1 try, 4 conversions, 4 penalties, 1 drop-goal, 28 points
9 Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

1 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) 35 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 76 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
3 Geoff Cross (London Irish) 31 caps, 1 try, 5 points
4 Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps
5 Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) 7 caps, 1 try, 5 points, CAPTAIN
6 Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps, 1 try, 5 points
7 Chris Fusaro (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps
8 Adam Ashe (Glasgow Warriors) uncapped

Substitutes

16 Kevin Bryce (Glasgow Warriors) 1 cap
17 Moray Low (Exeter Chiefs) 28 caps
18 Euan Murray (Glasgow Warriors) 59 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
19 Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps
20 Tyrone Holmes (Glasgow Warriors) uncapped
21 Grayson Hart (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps
22 Dougie Fife (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps
23 Peter Murchie (Glasgow Warriors) 2 caps

by IanBru Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:18 pm

Christ, I don't believe it.

He's playing a blindside at 6, an openside at 7, and a number 8 at... 8.

Does anyone else hear a strange 'whooosh' sound in their ears?

by nickj Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:19 pm

Cross must have written something into his contract with Irish, as must De Luca with Biarritz and Low with Exeter...

Poor old Pat MacArthur eh. And where's Jon Welsh?

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:19 pm

At long last, a team selection with everyone playing in the right position.

clap

I would quibble with Swinson over Jonny Gray, but otherwise I'm really happy with that.

Good luck Adam Ashe!

by cakeordeath Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:21 pm

IanBru wrote:Christ, I don't believe it.

He's playing a blindside at 6, an openside at 7, and a number 8 at... 8.

Does anyone else hear a strange 'whooosh' sound in their ears?

Is this what it feels like to have a competent coach. It's a a strange feeling

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:26 pm

I can only assume that Scott Johnson was excluded from the team selection meeting.

by **BigGee** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:30 pm

I am happy enough with that. I did not think he would play Ashe from the start but he is fit and been playing regularly in NZ while Holmes has been on the beach. I am looking forward to see what he can do, he probably has a lot more potential to be a long term Scotland player than either Fusaro or Holmes.

Horne back at 12 is the main worry for me, he looked the weakest link last week, got a lot to prove, hopefully the game plan will not be for him to try and crash it up against the Bokke. No Heathcote on the bench either this week, tough on him, but I guess he has hardly played this year. He will get his chance if he can fulfil his potential at Edinburgh. I wonder if this means we may see Hoggy stepping up to FH at some stage in the game.

Johnny G on the bench as well. Again probably fair after last week. Swinson added a fair bit when he came on and Johnny had a quiet game by his standards. Its been a long first full season for him, he has plenty of reasons to be tired.

by **BigGee** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:35 pm

nickj wrote:Cross must have written something into his contract with Irish, as must De Luca with Biarritz and Low with Exeter...

Poor old Pat MacArthur eh. And where's Jon Welsh?

Yes just noticed that JW was not there, that seems odd, what on earth else has he got to do to get capped. He did well when he came on last weekend. I would have had him on the bench to cover the LH over Low, who really does not look international class these days. PM unfortunately may just prove to be a little to lightweight to be an international hooker, especially when playing SA.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:36 pm

BigGee wrote:I am happy enough with that. I did not think he would play Ashe from the start but he is fit and been playing regularly in NZ while Holmes has been on the beach. I am looking forward to see what he can do, he probably has a lot more potential to be a long term Scotland player than either Fusaro or Holmes.

Horne back at 12 is the main worry for me, he looked the weakest link last week, got a lot to prove, hopefully the game plan will not be for him to try and crash it up against the Bokke. No Heathcote on the bench either this week, tough on him, but I guess he has hardly played this year. He will get his chance if he can fulfil his potential at Edinburgh. I wonder if this means we may see Hoggy stepping up to FH at some stage in the game.

Johnny G on the bench as well. Again probably fair after last week. Swinson added a fair bit when he came on and Johnny had a quiet game by his standards. Its been a long first full season for him, he has plenty of reasons to be tired.

This is a key point. This fixture is a bit of a mess in any event, so why not at least try someone in a position where they have a fighting chance of becoming an important Scotland player, than shoe horning someone into the role where they'll be unlikely to feature again. That, coupled with the fact that Ashe is the only specialist number 8 in the squad, is why this is such a sound and well thought through selection.

I'm hardly one to advocate a "throw in the kids" policy like others on here, but the fact is that he's the best number 8 available for this fixture, and his age shouldn't come into it.

It's also a big chance for Chris Fusaro to prove many of us wrong. He's a good club 7, but many on here, myself included, feel that he's a couple of inches short and about two stone light for an international flanker. Time to prove us wrong in one of the toughest environments out there, and go toe to toe against Coetzee and Burger. Great chance for Fusaro as well.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:38 pm

NDL - 42 caps and 1 try. He really is a product of the Haddock/Robinson era isn't he!?

by **Notch** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:40 pm

What an opportunity for Adam Ashe. Is he expected to get a lot of game time in the Pro12/EPRC next season or is he staying in New Zealand for a while longer?

Also amazed at De Luca having one try in 42 caps... imagine an international outside centre with one try in 42 caps. Sorry Scotland fans, I know it's old news but I'm just a bit shocked at that Shocked

by Dorothy_Mantooth Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:49 pm

BigGee wrote: I am looking forward to see what he can do, he probably has a lot more potential to be a long term Scotland player than either Fusaro or Holmes.

I don't think Holmes is International class, but don't think its fair to make that call about Fusaro. Especially when I am not too sure what you can be basing your assessment of Ashe on.

Good luck to him though, can't be many players to have started an international between two top 10 ten teams, with less Pro level experience.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:51 pm

I would imagine Ashe would have a role to play at Glasgow next season. He'll be behind Strauss and Wilson at 8, assuming Harley continues to take the 6 shirt, but he's probably only one injury away from a bench slot next season I've have thought. Naka can do a job in the back row but I personally think he should be seen as a starting lock.

To be fair to NDL, spending a career playing international rugby outside Parks and Morrison really can't have been much fun. In an Edinburgh jersey he's been a different player. I'll be interested to see how he gets on next season in France.

by Dorothy_Mantooth Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:52 pm

Notch wrote:What an opportunity for Adam Ashe. Is he expected to get a lot of game time in the Pro12/EPRC next season or is he staying in New Zealand for a while longer?

I would expect him to start pushing for a place in the PRO 12 squad over the season. This season he was never used and only benched when we had nobody else.

by Nematode Thu 26 Jun 2014, 1:58 pm

To be fair, at club level NDL is Visser's Ozil - if it wasn't for NDL I doubt Visser would have had such impressive try figures.

by Nematode Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:05 pm

For the Glasgow back row, you have Harley (Eddie), Fusaro (Holmes), Strauss (Wilson). I think he might get the odd starting slot in the Autumn tests and 6N and maybe some bench slots.

He does have a bit of pace though, which might be a welcome addition to GT's future plans (playing Naka).

by **Biltong** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:07 pm

Heyneke Meyer wrote:“The great thing about this team is that they can build an innings, and lead a game, but we can also chase a game and that’s difficult, especially under pressure. We’ve done it a few times now, and we have a high regard for Scotland. Always when there is a new coaching staff in a team, that means there is a lot of energy, and they’ve won three on the trot now,” Meyer explained, referring to Scotland’s wins over the USA, Canada and Argentina away from home en route to South Africa.

“To beat Argentina in Argentina is never easy, even we struggle there. All their games have been really tough. We know it will be a tough test match but we want to focus on where we want to go.”

That focus is massive this week in a side with 10 changes to the match day 23. While players undoubtedly want to impress, there can be little room for error and the message is clear – stick to the structures and build an innings.

“Although the guys are excited to play, and I’m happy at the amount of tries we’ve scored thus far, we still need to play and build an innings and play some structured rugby,” Meyer added.

“We have to limit our turnovers, because it can change the game and it is not ideal.

“I want the guys to express themselves and show what they can offer to the team. There are a lot of youngsters there and a lot of nerves and excitement and they are going to make mistakes.

“But I’d rather take guys who make mistakes than guys who don’t want to play rugby.

“We have to stay composed, not give away penalties and build an innings.”

Scottish coach Vern Cotter is a rather well-known quantity to Meyer and while he is only in his fourth game as coach, the team have shown significant improvement under him.

For this reason the Boks wont want to take too many chances early on, and rather spread the ball when they have put the game beyond Scotland’s reach.

“Vern is a brilliant coach and has a proven track record. Even when we’ve played Scotland previously, the scores haven’t been big,” Meyer said.

“There is always a perception in South Africa that there are easy test matches as well. There are no easy tests anymore and in the professional era the differences between teams are small. All teams get good coaching and great conditioning.

“He is a quality coach and I’ve always respected him and you can see how well they’ve done in the last three test matches. They’re building on where they were and I know how competitive he is. We have a high respect for him.

“We expect a tough test match and Scotland will only grow with a coach like that and they will only be better for it.”

by **BigGee** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:15 pm

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:
Notch wrote:What an opportunity for Adam Ashe. Is he expected to get a lot of game time in the Pro12/EPRC next season or is he staying in New Zealand for a while longer?

I would expect him to start pushing for a place in the PRO 12 squad over the season. This season he was never used and only benched when we had nobody else.

Last season he was injured for the majority of it and hardly played at all. he made a couple of appearances the previous year, when he was still an U20 and certainly did not let himself or the team down. He looked along with JG and MB the picks of that U20 generation.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:22 pm

Biltong - Meyer does know this isn't a cricket match right (all the references to building an "innings"), or are South Africa expecting to win by a cricket score??

by Nematode Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:23 pm

! Nearly got a virus from a SA news website with an article on Adam Ashe, so watch out.

by Nematode Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:24 pm

How do you go about this match if you're Cotter? Do you go out with the goal of winning or a close score?

by MacKnocked-on Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:33 pm

What's happened to Tom Heathcote? Thought he might have got a game considering Weir was less than perfect last week.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:35 pm

If I were Cotter I would get Scotland to focus on their own game, and not get too bogged down about how to approach this particular opponent. The only bespoke item I hope they've worked on this week is dealing with the driving maul. It's South Africa's "go to" play if they are struggling, and it bailed them out completely against Wales.

Focus on the rush defence, keeping the line organised and tight and bring intensity to the defence. Attack off turnover ball the same way you would attack any other side. Trust the systems and don't be afraid to look up now and again to see whether anything is on. When Wales attacked South Africa through the middle they made ground. Spinning the ball wide is not necessarily the best way of getting through a defence, more often than not the easy yards are around the fringes.

Lots of energy and intensity, and have a go. Expectations for a result are set somewhere between nil and zero, and this is a rare opportunity for individuals to test themselves against the very best.

by **RDW** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:39 pm

So since biltong is still trying to play the inexperienced card, I'll do what he did and highlight how many of our players have less than 20 caps!

15 Stuart Hogg
14 Sean Maitland
13 Nick De Luca
12 Peter Horne
11 Tommy Seymour

10 Duncan Weir
9 Henry Pyrgos

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Tim Swinson
5 Grant Gilchrist
6 Robert Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Adam Ashe

Substitutes

16 Kevin Bryce
17 Moray Low
18 Euan Murray
19 Jonny Gray
20 Tyrone Holmes
21 Grayson Hart
22 Dougie Fife
23 Peter Murchie

by **Biltong** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:48 pm

Xcellent, so we have TWO rookie teams playing this weekend. Yahoo

by **Biltong** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:49 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Biltong - Meyer does know this isn't a cricket match right (all the references to building an "innings"), or are South Africa expecting to win by a cricket score??

Maybe he thinks rugby is like cricket, only thing is you don't lose wickets, instead of 80 overs you get 80 minutes. I don't know. Whistle

No, I think he wants the youngsters to get a feel for the game, feel like they are in charge before expressing themselves, if it doesn't allow for them to run around they must be able to read it.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 2:55 pm

By my calculations the Boks starting XV has 502 caps between them, vs 281 caps between the Scotland starting XV......

The Boks have it all to lose.

by **Biltong** Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:01 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:By my calculations the Boks starting XV has 502 caps between them, vs 281 caps between the Scotland starting XV......

The Boks have it all to lose.

Nine of the Bok starting XV has 86 caps between them, Hug

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:06 pm

10 of the Scotland XV have 74 between them.....

thumbsup

by Nematode Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:08 pm

Just don't touch them at the lineout so they can't get the driving maul

by alive555 Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:26 pm

Half of glasgow A plus a few reserves

15 Stuart Hogg
14 Sean Maitland
13 Nick De Luca
12 Peter Horne
11 Tommy Seymour

10 Duncan Weir
9 Henry Pyrgos

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Tim Swinson
5 Grant Gilchrist
6 Robert Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Adam Ashe

Substitutes

16 Kevin Bryce
17 Moray Low
18 Euan Murray
19 Jonny Gray
20 Tyrone Holmes
21 Grayson Hart
22 Dougie Fife
23 Peter Murchie

thats 18/23 from glasgow .

by EWT Spoons Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:30 pm

Makes sense as the squad can only be made up of Edinburgh and Glasgow players.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:32 pm

Defending the rolling maul is one of the hardest things to do, particularly against a side as polished as South Africa in that respect.

To be honest I genuinely have no idea how to go about it in practice, but what I did notice in the NZ vs England game is that NZ did well in stopping the English by basic counter mauling, and keeping the NZ legs pumping in the opposite direction to the maul. Nothing fancy or liable to get penalised, they just got an early shove on and kept up the pressure until the ref asked England to move the ball.

The other obvious option is to compete for the lineout, but realistically you can't both compete for the lineout and repel the maul, not against a side like South Africa. They'd be over the line whilst the lifters are still bringing down the jumper.

It's tricky. What is the worst case scenario is that achieved by Wales. Two yellow cards and a penalty try!

by funnyExiledScot Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:33 pm

alive555 wrote:Half of glasgow A plus a few reserves

15 Stuart Hogg
14 Sean Maitland
13 Nick De Luca
12 Peter Horne
11 Tommy Seymour

10 Duncan Weir
9 Henry Pyrgos

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Tim Swinson
5 Grant Gilchrist
6 Robert Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Adam Ashe

Substitutes

16 Kevin Bryce
17 Moray Low
18 Euan Murray
19 Jonny Gray
20 Tyrone Holmes
21 Grayson Hart
22 Dougie Fife
23 Peter Murchie

thats 18/23 from glasgow .

Great - so we blame Glasgow if we lose......

by 123456789 Thu 26 Jun 2014, 5:33 pm

Whilst I know they play different positions and Bennett isn't exactly available for this game he must feel like everyone but him has been picked now, kind of like when Hermione Granger knew the answers in Harry Potter but no one would let her answer

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