South Africa great explains 'respect' for Scotland and difference in Springboks camp after changes

Gregor Townsend’s side travel to Loftus Versfeld for their second Nations Championship match against the back-to-back world champions on Saturday. The hosts have named a much changed starting XV and replacements for the Test but still have a number of experienced campaigners in the side to guide the newer faces.

Vermeulen, the 76-times capped loose forward who was part of both their Rugby World Cup winning squads in 2019 and 2023, has said their is ‘more excitement’ in the squad this week than usual. They are also well aware of the threat posed by the Scots who are full of confidence after their round one win away to Argentina last weekend.

“They're tough guys and they stay in the fight” - two time World Cup winner full of praise for Gregor Townsend’s Scotland

He said: “The guys getting an opportunity to play are definitely good enough – Test caps don't really define you as a player. We've got guys with fewer caps this week, but they have great energy, and then there are the calm heads of Pieter-Steph (du Toit), Jesse (Kriel) and Damian (Willemse) to settle any nerves. 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.”

On Scotland, he added: “A lot of their players play for Glasgow, who came to Loftus Versfeld and actually beat the Vodacom Bulls. 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, which we've assessed and we’ve been working hard on, so it's going to be a tough game. They also played very well against Argentina away, as well as during the Six Nations competition.

“They're tough guys and they stay in the fight. Obviously, we want to take them on physically, but they also know exactly what they want to achieve. 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.”

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