The Boks got their outgoing tour off to a winning start with a 23 - 18 win over Wales and now turn their focus to the coming fixture against Scotland at Murrayfield. The Scots managed to get one over the Wallabies (15 - 13) on Sunday and have a short turn around before they host the World Champion Springboks. With much of the talk around the British & Irish Lions series centered around the final test performance of Finn Russell, there is everything to play for.
In the game against Wales, the Boks struggled to gain momentum with their driving maul in the first 40, but will be unlikely to face such challenges this weekend. The Scots will know they can't overpower the Boks upfront, even if Hamish Watson proves to be a handful. Scotland boast an entirely different skill set to what we faced this weekend, in that they are phenomenal with ball in hand. Russell, Hogg, Van der Merwe and co will be looking to play an expansive game, trying to outrun the Boks size.
There is no denying the attacking class of their playmaker and they have successfully claimed the scalps of England, France and Australia this year. They will be primed for this fixture and the Boks will need to ensure they are prepared out wide for what is undoubtedly coming their way. Frans Steyn put in a stellar performance at Fullback and I believe he is primed to start against England in two weeks time, but Fassi is likely to gain a start in the last line this weekend.
Fassi has been patiently waiting in the shadows for his chance and there is no better time than this fixture. His pace and ability to read and break open a game will prove crucial for the Boks in the absence of Cheslin Kolbe. Damian Willemse suffered a concussion against Wales and his availability is not yet clear. Even if he is available, Fassi should be given his chance to stake a claim for the 15 jersey.
Herschel Jantjies and Jessie Kriel were found wanting this weekend, with Jantjies struggling with his kicks and distribution in a very wet game, whilst Kriel was exposed under the high ball a number of times. Both are quality players but it was clear that their lack of game time had hindered their ability to perform. Cobus Reinach should be touted to start this fixture, as his pace will be crucial in shutting down the Scottish attack. Whilst he also struggled with the kicking game, he breathed life into the attack and almost set up a superb try.
On the wing, Sbu Nkosi should have sorted his passport issues up and rejoined the squad by now and will then likely start out wide. If not, the coaches will have some head scratching to do, with the possibility of putting Willie out wide to assist Fassi in the last line. The remainder of the side is likely to remain fairly unchanged with the possibility of a rotation in the front row / bomb squad as well.
The Boks need a victory against Scotland, so they head into their toughest game of the tour, England with some momentum. Eddie Jones' side will be more than eager to get one over the Boks to avenge their World Cup final defeat at the hands of the Springboks. But for now, all focus shifts to Murrayfield as the Boks march on, on their end of year tour.
The game Saturday,was a clear indication with Frans Steyn on fullback and Reinach on Scrumhalf,that Faf an Willie must be kept on the beach for reserves.Frans Steyn must be in the starting squad,for the simple reason,that he proved on Saturday,that he got the ability to put long penalties over the crossbar.