Embrose Papier will run out on his home patch at Loftus Versfeld after returning to the Springboks fold.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says Scotland plan to unleash a brand of “champagne rugby” at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, warning that the world champions will have to be at their absolute best to push the cork back into the Scottish bottle.
“Each time we analyse them, it is no secret what they want to do,” Stick said. “They have a very skilful backline. Looking at the makeup of their pack, they have big, physical loosies that focus on gaining momentum for that backline.”
Stick's insight into the Scottish tactical blueprint is deeply personal. Back in his playing days, the former playmaker lined up at fullback for the Sharks during the same season that current Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend pulled on the number ten jersey in Durban.
“They are a major danger, and I know this well because Gregor Townsend was my fly-half,” Stick revealed. “He was one of my teammates in Durban. He enjoys beautiful, champagne rugby. They call it ‘the dance floor’. They like to go to the dance floor by moving the ball into the wider channels, and they have the skilful players to do it.
