Scotland captain Mike Blair feels his side will face a real challenge when they come up against South Africa this weekend.
South Africa an 'exceptional' side
Scotland captain Mike Blair feels his side will face a real challenge when they come up against South Africa this weekend.
The current world champions were the big disappointment of the Tri-Nations earlier in the year, picking up just two wins in a miserable few months for South African rugby.
However, following the Springboks impressive victory over Wales last week, Blair is concerned that the Scots may be in for a long day in Edinburgh.
"They are a team of exceptional quality," admitted the 50-cap skipper. "The way they performed in the opening 15 minutes against Wales was brilliant.
"The type of challenge we face will be very different. The way they use the blitz defence means they are right up in your face and it will be important how we manage the game."
Warning
Indeed, Scotland may be keen to play down their chances of victory, but South Africa coach Peter de Villiers is sure that his side will be in for a fight when the teams meet at Murrayfield.
"You don't come here expecting the opposition to lie down to you," said de Villiers. "We got our warning from Wales and the guys are starting to get into the tour now.
"I have been reading a lot about Scotland and the thistle, where it comes from and what it stands for.
"I feel Scotland are a proud nation and they will stand up for themselves. They won't go down without a fight.
"We will have our work cut out."
