Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen has promised that his team will be ready for the threat posed by Scotland 'kingpin' Finn Russell in Sunday’s World Cup opening weekend clash in Marseilles.
The powerhouse No 8, who is playing in his third World Cup at the grand old age of 37, described the Scottish playmaker is a ‘wizard’ – but believes the Scottish stand-off can be contained if the reigning champions reproduce the intensity of their recent 35-7 demolition of New Zealand.
“Everything has evolved since we played Scotland [winning 34-16] at the 2015 World Cup, the game has become a lot different, the coaching style, the referees, the laws – everything has changed – but some teams always stick to things that make them strong and we know Scotland love to play on the quick ball and Finn Russell is the kingpin in that position,” said Vermeulen.
“If he can get a front-foot ball Scotland will be dangerous because he is a magician with ball in hand.
“He’s got a massive playbook in his head and is just a fantastic individual player, so we really have to sit down and have our video sessions and have a look at what he does on the field and how often he does these things.
“It will be a difficult task, but everyone wants a good start in the opening match of the World Cup whether it’s us or them. You want to win your first one.”
While Vermeulen is confident that he and his team have a pretty good grip of what to expect from Scotland, he also makes no secret of the Springboks’ determination to play to their traditional strengths.
“We pride ourselves on our set-piece and, for us, if we get our line-outs and get moving forward, and at scrum-time as well, if we can do it with ball in hand on our side and then when we’re defending if we can put on a bit of pressure, then guys can become frustrated if they don’t get the ball on their terms, and then they’ll have to make changes and find solutions,” he concluded.
“It’s the same on our side – we’d have to find solutions if they get front-foot ball. It’s going to be an interesting game.”
