If Scotland fans are looking for reasons to believe their heroes can upset the world champions, a dive into the history books is not recommended.
The Springboks have won the last eight meetings between the sides, and 15 of the last 16, with Scotland’s solitary success coming in 2010 when Dan Parks kicked them to a 21-17 victory.
The most recent clash was the World Cup Pool B opener last year when the Boks extinguished Scotland’s attacking threat to ease to an 18-3 win.
With the likes of captain Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit – Scotland’s tormenter-in-chief in Marseille last year – selected to start on the bench, some wonder if Rassie Erasmus has made the call with a view to his all-star replacements making a late impact at Murrayfield, or with one eye on Twickenham and next weekend’s showdown with England.
Stand-in skipper Eben Etzebeth, the legendary lock who will win his 129th cap on Sunday, was quick to shut down any talk the Boks are giving Scotland anything other than their full, undivided attention.
“We consider them one of the top nations in world rugby,” Etzebeth said.
“We see them as an Ireland or New Zealand or Australia or England or any of those teams that we play against. They’re right up there for us and it’s going to be a physical Test match.
“I think Murrayfield is an incredible place to play rugby. Personally it’s one of my favourites in the world, I love coming and playing here.
“The Scottish people are nice but we know their team will never be nice to us on the field.”
The Springboks have been nice and respectful of Scotland all week. Come 16:10 on Sunday in Edinburgh, you can bet that will all come to an abrupt end.
The Scots know what is coming – the toughest, meanest challenge in all of rugby. Knowing about it and knowing what to do about it are two entirely different things.
A Scottish victory is hard to see, but if they can somehow shake up the global order with a seismic win, it may just be the catalyst towards the type of success that has for so long been beyond their reach.
