Springboks focus on Scotland and Rugby World Cup opener

The Springboks know that their first match of the Rugby World Cup will be a very important one in the final shakeup of Group B.

Bok veteran Duane Vermeulen said that the team have immediately shifted their mindset towards preparing to face Scotland.

Scotland loom large for Springboks

ALSO READ: Springboks quick to move on from All Black trouncing

Scotland have a certain familiarity with South African rugby even if the sides only met twice between the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

The Springboks won both matches, which were contested at Murrayfield.

ALSO READ: Fiji clinch famous win over England at Twickenham

However, Scotland have shown themselves capable of threatening France and Ireland in the Six Nations.

Vermeulen said that the Springboks would be out to sharpen up ahead of the match against Scotland on 10 September 2023.

ALSO READ: How do the World Rugby Rankings work?

“We made mistakes [against New Zealand] and there were a couple of things that didn’t go our way – discipline was one of them,” he said.

“We got a yellow card and penalties can make you lose a game, so we have to sharpen up on that.

ALSO READ: When do the Springboks play again?

“I think there’s still a lot in the tank. We’ve got to prepare well for our first game against Scotland. All the focus is on Scotland from this moment on.”

Laying down a marker

The Springboks may not take any material benefit from their victory over the All Blacks but Vermeulen said if was a much-needed boost for the team after they were blown away by the New Zealanders in Auckland.

“We really wanted to play a full 80 after the last time we met, and I think the guys really played their part,” said Vermeulen.

“Our last game against New Zealand wasn’t great and our first 20 minutes was our worst performance against New Zealand ever. They capitalised on our mistakes.

“This week we’d worked on all those small things that didn’t go well. This is one step in the right direction – there are still one or two little things that we can tweak. The coaches are happy and the team’s really happy with the performance and hopefully we can build on that.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES WRITTEN BY JAMES RICHARDSON