VIDEO: Boks will have a 'good plan' to nullify Scottish scrum power
South Africa bank on the familiarity of their surroundings to give them the best possible chance to open their World Cup defence on a winning note.
The Springbok start their 2023 campaign against Scotland at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.
The Scots, ranked fifth in the world, has been impressive in their build-up the tournament, even recording a win over hosts France.
The Boks have taken note and are determined to not get caught cold by a determined Scottish outfit.
Last year in November ahead of their year-end Test against France, the Boks stayed in the same hotel in the La Seyne-sur-Mer (or La Seyne on Sea) commune adjacent to the city of Toulon in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France,
Kitshoff said that familiarity with their surroundings will assist in their build-up to Sunday’s tournament opener.
“I am in exactly the same room I was in last year,” he said, adding that it all helps with the mental preparation for the massive challenge that awaits.
He said it helps that they can only focus on the game and don’t need to concern themselves with unfamiliar surroundings.
With a number of South Africans in their World Cup squad – the likes of WP Nel, Pierre Schoeman, Kyle Steyn and Duhan van der Merwe – it means they can expect ‘some physicality’ from Scotland.
“They might come with a big scrum battle or in the line-outs,” Kitshoff told @rugby365com.
(WATCH as veteran Springbok Steven Kitshoff sits down for a one-on-one with @king365ed ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday…)
However, with veteran Finn Russell at flyhalf, there will be an ‘expansive’ aspect to the Scottish game.
“He brings a high-tempo, exciting game,” the Bok prop said.
“It will be high-paced with a lot of energy.”
The prop admitted that the best way to counter such vigorous opponents is to hold true to what the South African strengths are.
Turning to the potential of facing off against veteran South African prop WP Nel, at 37 six years Kitshoff’s senior, Kitshoff admitted that the Northern Cape-born and Western Cape schooled player is not your typical tighthead.
“He is more explosive, quicker and a bit shorter,” the seasoned Boks said, adding: “He likes to scrum a bit lower.
“I have scrummed against him before – when he was still at the Cheetahs and on the international stage as well.
“I won’t say I have the best understanding of him – because of the limited number of times I have faced him – but we’ll have our big scrum session on Wednesday, when we will work on a good plan to nullify their scrum.”
Kitshoff, who has changed from a feature in the famed ‘Bomb Squad’ to a more regular starter, said he continues to prep the same and doesn’t change his focus because of an altered role.
“Even when I come off the bench and there’s an early injury – as has happened – I have top be ready.
“I prepare as if I will play a full 80 minutes – know all the details and what the plans are from the first minute.
“If I start my job is to tire them out and get their subs on as quickly as possible.
“If I come off the bench it is blowing my gasket as quickly as I can, bring a lot of energy and try to finish the game.”
Asked about the difference between the 2019 World Cup and the 2023 version, his mirthful response was that he is definitely four years older.
“I gained some valuable experience,” he said, adding: “I managed to captain the Stormers, get the leadership experience and try to bring it to the Bok set-up.
“There’s not a lot of rugby left in me, so for me, it is enjoying every moment there is – playing my heart out as if it is my last game.”
@king365ed
@rugby365com
