South Africa v Scotland: Five talking points ahead of Saturday's clash
Last Updated: 03/10/15 5:39pm
We look at five key talking points ahead of the Pool B clash between South Africa and Scotland.
Second string?
Have Scotland really picked a 'weakened' side to face South Africa? Scotland sit top of the group and need one win from two games to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Vern Cotter has picked a side without the likes of centre Mark Bennett, and the front-rows Alasdair Dickinson and Ross Ford which begs the question are Scotland focussing on winning the Samoa game?
Not even close says Scotland Assistant Coach Jonathan Humphries.
"I can't understand why people are saying it is a second string," said Humphries.
"I'd prefer them to write about a 31-man squad playing three huge games in 10 days. International rugby is a hugely physical sport and we have had three games in ten days. We are pretty comfortable with what we are putting out there. Every single player is here on merit."
Language of the lineout
Much has been made this week of the likes of Scotland's Josh Strauss and WP Nel knowing South Africa's lineout calls. There has been no spying going on here, rather Nel and Strauss were part of Heyneke Meyer's first Springbok training camp back in 2012.
South Africa have apparently changed all their lineout calls this week and are considering another language than Afrikaans, but there is no doubt the bok lineout will come under scrutiny. Without the ageing lineout maestro Victor Matfield, Scotland will be looking to put pressure on locks Eben Etsebeth and Lood de Jaeger. A key part of South Africa's game is the driving maul from the lineout, if Scotland can stop them here then that will put a serious dent in their armour.
Battle upfront
South Africa pride themselves on their tight five but their front row has not had it all their own way for some time now and they will come under more scrutiny on Saturday.
WP Nel has become Scotland's first choice tighthead and is very familiar with the bok front row of Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai Mtawarira having played against them numerous times for the Cheetahs. He will have plenty to prove against his former countrymen as will Strauss.
The battle for the breakdown will be keenly contested by Strauss, Blair Cowan and Dave Denton who will need to be at their physical best against Schalk Burger, Francois Louw and Duane Vermeulen. In the second row, Jonny Gray and Richie Gray will also have a titanic tussle against Etsebeth and De Jaeger as both sets of forwards will be looking to get onto the front foot.
Midfield collision
The injury and subsequent retirement of Jean De Villiers means that Jesse Kriel and Damien De Allende reunite in the centre for South Africa. The two youngsters were impressive during the Rugby Championships - despite their losses - and looked like they would be developing into something special.
Both are big and strong but also possess a good skill set that could open up Scotland's defence. Richie Vernon and Matt Scott will be looking to put a lot of pressure on the inexperienced duo though and Vernon's backrow experience could be the key to snuff out any midfield creativity.
The former backrower is determined to meet fire with fire: "The Boks are certainly a really physical team but that is something I believe I could bring to Scotland's game as well. A bit of physicality and a bit of size.
"When you play South Africa you know they are going to take you on up front. They will try to batter and bruise you. If you can stand up to that, you have got a good chance."
Battle of the boot
Finn Russel's injury is a big blow to Scotland and Duncan Weir is the man to step into his shoes at fly-half. He will play a crucial part in steering Scotland around the park and making sure his kicking is spot on. His Springbok counterpart is Handre Pollard who loves to test the gain-line whenever he can. Pollard is one of the best attacking No 10's out there but has also developed a tactical side to his game. His decision making on whether to attack or to kick could be crucial.
