Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit have acknowledged the depth of challenge Scotland will bring to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with kick-off at 17h40, as Rassie Erasmus prepares to become the most capped Springbok head coach of all time in his 55th Test in charge.
Both Stick and Du Toit were effusive about the milestone. "You can't ask for a better man than Rassie," said Stick. "Reaching this milestone of becoming the most capped head coach for the Springboks is very special. It's also great that his family is around to celebrate with him this week."
Du Toit, who captained the Boks in Erasmus' first Test in charge back in 2018, added: "I'll always remember the excitement since the day I met Rassie. He always comes up with a plan and gives us the opportunity to build on it, and to find something that could give us an edge."
On the opposition, Stick identified Scotland's backline as a particular threat. "Finn Russell is one of the best playmakers in the world, and their centres are excellent too. Kyle Steyn knows us well as South Africans — he understands our DNA, and he's been playing well for them. They'll try to keep the ball in play and challenge us in the wider spaces." Scotland currently sit fifth in the world rankings.
Scotland have named an experienced matchday squad against what is, on paper, a less capped Springbok group, but Stick pushed back on any suggestion that creates a disadvantage. "First and foremost, we have belief in these players. All of them have performed well for their franchises and deserve to be rewarded. Rassie is not shy to give players the chance."
Du Toit, set to win his 97th Test cap, will be the most experienced player in the match-23 and said the dynamic energises rather than burdens him. "It doesn't put pressure on me, it actually excites me more. When you play for the Springboks at Loftus, you've got so much energy and you want to prove a point — a guy who wants to do that can be dangerous because he'll do anything for the team."
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport, with limited tickets still available.