Beating Boks bigger than England win
Townsend: Kiwi conquerors our toughest challenge yet
GREGOR TOWNSEND insists taking South Africa’s scalp will top the Calcutta Cup triumph over England.
The Scotland boss masterminded the nation’s first win over the Auld Enemy in 10 years with a famous victory at Murrayfield in February.
It was just the second time England had lost in Eddie Jones’ first 26 Tests in charge and for Townsend it eclipsed the shock success over Australia in Sydney in summer 2017.
But the gaffer knows his men have to hit even loftier heights at Murrayfield on Saturday to stun a Springboks side still buzzing from their September win over New Zealand.
Asked where a victory this weekend would rank from his 18 months in charge, Townsend said: “Given what South Africa have done recently it would probably be our biggest win in the last couple of years.
“England stands out as such a memorable win. The fact they had won so many games in succession and that trophy we play for makes it more special.
“But I feel South Africa are in the top two or three teams in the world with the way they play against the best sides.
“Going to New Zealand and beating them, almost beating them a second time, showing what they were capable of last week against France as they came from behind to get a great win – that all shows they will be a tough team to beat.”
Scotland had to maintain discipline and control last weekend as they neutered the livewire threat of Fiji before dishing out a brutal eight-try lesson as their backs let loose.
This time, however, Townsend is expecting a war of attrition that will push his players’ mettle to the limit.
He said: “It’s the No.1 physical challenge. We get physical challenges in the Six Nations with the likes of England, France and Ireland but any coach will tell you the biggest physical challenge is South Africa. It always has been.
“They have evolved their game since Rassie Erasmus took over but they’ve not gone away from the forward pack. They select the biggest and strongest men they can find.”
To combat that muscular threat, Townsend has made five changes to his pack, with prop Gordon Reid, hooker Stuart McInally, locks Jonny Gray and Ben Toolis returning alongside flanker Hamish Watson. Centre Huw Jones is also trusted with a recall despite a couple of defensive slips in Cardiff a fortnight ago.
And Stuart Hogg makes his first Scotland appearance since it was confirmed he will swap Glasgow for Exeter this summer.
Tuesday’s announcement ends months of speculation about the full-back’s future and Townsend is relieved.
He said: “We have known about it for a few weeks and it’s great his future is sorted – let’s hope it’s a good move.
“As much as we would have liked him to stay in Scotland the best outcome is he has at least made a decision now.
“He’s going to a good club. Exeter play excellent rugby and have a fantastic culture.
“It’s now important I build a good relationship with Rob Baxter and the other coaches there and we have Stuart’s goals in mind of playing well for Exeter and Scotland.”