The Boks will make their way into Edinburgh on Saturday with a side that's had a few changes. Will this new outfit be a suitable counter to the Scots on home-turf? The outcome of Saturday's game will come down to points taken and opportunity converted into points. The Boks have enjoyed leaving their opponents with broken hearts in the last 10 minutes of play, stealing wins against the All Blacks and Wales debatably.
The Flower of Scotland, one of the most incredible anthems will be sung loud and in full force at a buzzing BT Murrayfield for sure! One can only imagine the buzz around the ground. Something the Boks haven't experienced at home since the whole Covid story started. Soon soon, a man can dream of a packed Loftus stadium screaming the anthem, because that's seems to be the only song the whole nation knows.
Are we going to see a similar game plan this weekend compared to Wales last weekend? More up-and -unders just outside the 22 and monster penalties from the Long range Steyn? I'd be happy to witness more of that! Just a chap with an immense dad bod, rocketing them over from 55? Sounds like absolute BS but its true!
I am telling my Kids that this was Frans Steyn.
Hopefully we do get to see Frans back on the pitch, even if its just for the final 15 minutes, lately that's where he has had the biggest impact. That game against NZ t hat we won, he came on and smoked McKenzie and put on a masterclass kicking display. Getting amped here behind my keyboard just thinking of the legend wrecking the Scots.
The Boks played with forwards running onto the ball with pace. Etzebeth was a busy man and so was Kwagga Smith, winning turnovers and making some hefty hits on the Welsh.
I must be honest, I think Ox Nche got a bit unlucky with his yellow card in the 30th minute. Just a build up of penalties and he was the man to catch the brunt of the Ref and ended up walking off for 10 in the bin.
De Allende ran well as always and Pollard did well to put his centers in space. I would have liked to see more from Jesse Kriel. He hasn't played for a while and I think he just needs to don a jersey a bit more and he will find some form. We just don't have time to waste for that to happen, we need him to be putting on those hits and making runs like he used to. He was an absolute unit.
Steyn made some huge runs that got us close to the line with an offload and Am also enjoyed running and chipping them through for himself or Mapimpi to gather. It was a really captivating game to watch even though the score was so close. The through ball grubbers from Pollard were always innovative and exciting to see! Hopefully more of that this weekend.
Wales really tried hard to beat the World Champs, and they came close but the Boks were just too good in the end. That's the thing about the Boks, they always find a way when they need one. The AB's always pump their opponents by far, except the Boks, we are always within 5 points of the AB's. If they play Ireland they win by 40. We don't do that, we just get the job done, even if its not pretty.
The Scots have a mean maul as well, they are quick to get the ball out the lineout, not giving their opponents the chance to set and start defending, so it's going to be good to see SA's maul vs the Scottish maul.
The Boks just have to keep it tidy on the field, keep possession, run the ball, catch the ball (Willie) , Eben may not punch okes in the nose and Vermeulen needs to keep it clean too. I think the outcome will favor the Boks this weekend, I know they can beat the Scottish but it's going to be a battle to the final whistle. Go Bokke, send them!!