The assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit warned against underestimating the visitors in any way, despite their entire match 23 never having faced the Springboks in South Africa in the past.

The Test will also be a significant occasion for coach Rassie Erasmus, who will become the most-capped head coach in Springbok history by taking charge of the national side for a 55th Test.

Mzwandile Stick. Photo: Morgan Piek

Stick described the achievement as thoroughly deserved, praising Erasmus for the impact he has had on both the team and the country.

“It’s difficult to ask for a better leader than Rassie,” said Stick.

“We’re incredibly proud of what he has accomplished. He genuinely cares about South Africa and everyone in the Springbok environment. We’ve shared some challenging moments together, but he’s always put people first.

“To see him reach this milestone is something special. Having his family here to celebrate with him makes it even more meaningful, and hopefully we can reward him with a victory.”

Du Toit, who captained the Springboks in Erasmus’ first Test in charge back in 2018, said the coach’s innovative approach has always inspired the squad.

“From the first day I met Rassie there was a real sense of excitement,” said Du Toit.

“He’s constantly looking for ways to improve and find that extra advantage. That’s one of his biggest strengths, and it’s a privilege to be part of this occasion.”

Despite South Africa making several changes to their matchday squad, neither Stick nor Du Toit believes Scotland will be an easy opponent. Ranked fifth in the world, the Scots arrive in Pretoria with an experienced squad packed with quality across the park.

Pieter-Steph du Toit. Photo: Morgan Piek

Stick singled out Scotland’s attacking threats, particularly at the back.

“They’ve got a highly skilled backline and a loose trio that works hard to generate momentum,” he said. “Finn Russell is one of the best playmakers in world rugby, their midfield is very strong, and they have dangerous players in the back three.

“Kyle Steyn also understands South African rugby and our style of play, so they’ll certainly look to stretch us and keep the ball alive. We know it’s going to be a tough contest.”

Du Toit, who will earn his 97th Test cap, admitted being one of the senior players only adds to his excitement rather than increasing the pressure.

“I remember what it was like to be one of the younger players. Playing for the Springboks at Loftus gives you unbelievable energy, and when players are determined to prove themselves, they’ll do anything for the team.”

Leading the Springboks again is an honour Du Toit does not take lightly, but he believes the leadership structures within the squad make the responsibility easier.

The former Suzuki Griquas winger/centre Kyle Steyn. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’ve built a strong system over the years, and that gives us confidence wherever we play,” he said. “I’ve learned a great deal from Siya Kolisi and the captains before him. My job is simply to lead through my actions and do what’s expected of me on the field.”

Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and Scotland at Loftus Versfeld will kick-off at 17:40.

South Africa - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter

Replacements - 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Elrigh Louw, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Quan Horn

Scotland - 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 11 Jamie Dobie, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Gregor Brown, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman

Replacements - 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Magnus Bradbury, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg