Louw carries father's memory into Scotland test at Loftus

Wilco Louw will start at tighthead for the Springboks against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday carrying a personal weight beyond the match itself — his father, who died in April following a short illness, was the man who first drew him to rugby as a boy growing up in Ceres.

"My father and I were incredible friends and it's tough not to have him around any more because he was always there for me," Louw said this week. "He was the one who made me mad about rugby when I was a kid. If I ever needed anything, he would be the first person I'd call."

Louw was given time away from the squad earlier in the year to be with his family, and credited the Springbok environment for its support beyond the rugby field. "It's incredible being part of a team that supports you — not just when you're wearing rugby boots and the rugby jersey but through all phases of life."

On the match itself, Louw anticipates a stern examination from Scotland's pack. He noted that a number of British and Irish Lions tourists feature in their forward unit, and highlighted their direct forward play in last weekend's win over Argentina as evidence of the threat they pose. Pierre Schoeman, the Edinburgh loosehead and a close friend of Louw's, will line up opposite him — though Louw was not drawn on the specifics of their previous scrumming battles. "It's a bit dark in there," he said. "There's not a lot of talking going on normally."

Louw also has history with Scotland's scrum coach Pieter de Villiers, under whom he worked during his first spell at the Stormers. He acknowledged De Villiers' quality while making clear the Boks have prepared for whatever Scotland bring. "They definitely stepped up … it's going to be a proper challenge."

Returning to the Stormers after three seasons with the Bulls — who lost the URC final to Leinster last month — Louw framed his place in the Springbok squad in terms that go beyond jersey competition. "We play for a much greater cause than just myself or just the player. It's an incredible honour to put on that jersey and a privilege to play."