Mobi-unit coach Duane Vermeulen is bullish about the Springbok matchday squad named to face Scotland in Saturday's Nations Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld, dismissing suggestions that the relatively inexperienced selection carries undue risk.
"The guys getting an opportunity to play are definitely good enough – Test caps don't really define you as a player," said Vermeulen. "We've got guys with fewer caps this week, but they have great energy, and then there are the calm heads of Pieter-Steph, Jesse and Damian to settle any nerves."
Vermeulen noted an unusual buzz in the camp. "There's more excitement in the squad this week than usual, and if we can direct that excitement into the right areas, we'll be in for a good game."
The match, which kicks off at 17h40 and will be broadcast on SuperSport, is the first meeting between the sides at Loftus Versfeld. Vermeulen was quick to temper any notion that altitude would hand the Boks a comfortable afternoon, pointing to Scotland's recent form — victories over England and France in the Six Nations, and a win in Argentina against the Pumas last weekend.
"A lot of their players play for Glasgow, who came to Loftus Versfeld and actually beat the Vodacom Bulls," he said. "They'll have a good plan coming into the game, they have a really fit and skilful side, and they have mobile forwards. Everyone looks at their attack, but they've got a really strong defence as well."
Vermeulen also flagged a tactical wrinkle to watch under the new laws. "With the new laws, you might see a Scotland side that mauls a little more than you'd expect. They are a resilient group of guys who work well together."