TEST OF METTLE
Solomons warns of Springboks’ need to appease their fans
EdINBUrGH head coach Alan Solomons has warned Scotland to expect a backlash from South Africa in his native Port Elizabeth — after Springboks fans were less than impressed with their narrow 31-30 win over Wales last weekend.
The former Southern Kings chief knows all about the l evel of expectation in his homeland as he was assistant head coach of South Africa under Nick Mallett during their 17-game unbeaten run in the late 1990s.
Solomons, 63, who was born in the village of Uitenhage on the Eastern Cape, has also seen the power of the current South African team up close when he renewed his coaching relationship with Mallett to lead a World XV against them last month.
The Springboks ran out 47-13 winners then and, although they will be missing winger Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, Francois louw and Morne Steyn against Scotland, he still expects their under- strength team to go into Saturday’s match desperate to appease their fans.
‘Such is the standards set in South African rugby they will be very disappointed with their performance against Wales, despite the fact they won through that late, converted penalty try,’ said Solomons. ‘Wales were unlucky not to win. That dissatisfaction over the Springboks’ performance is all they will need to lift them.
‘ There will be a number of changes due to several players not being available but I am sure they will be looking for and demanding a marked improvement.
‘They will be playing in Port Elizabeth, where I grew up, and the home fans will be going along to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium expecting a win — and there will be pressure on them to deliver.’
Solomons refuses to completely write off the Scots, however, and has been impressed by their tour victories over the USA, Canada and Argentina.
‘To get over the line three matches in a row has been a fantastic effort. It will be tough for them in Port Elizabeth as they will be missing a lot of players. The back row and midfield has been decimated by injuries and guys like Greig laidlaw are not available. He is a top class player who will be a big miss.
‘on top of that, this is the third continent they are going to in a short space of time.
‘South Africa are favourites but I feel Scotland will be ready for the physical onslaught. With ross Ford and Alasdair dickinson in the front row, they can hold their own against one of the best sides in the world.’
Solomons believes one of his Edinburgh players, Grant Gilchrist, who captained Scotland for the first time against Argentina, could prove vital on Saturday.
‘South Africa won’t have Bakkies Botha or Eben Etzebeth available,’ said Solomons, whose players returned to pre- season training yesterday. ‘They have strength in depth but Grant is good enough to hold his own against anyone.
‘We gave him the responsibility of calling the line- outs last season and he is a leader who is getting better with every game.’
Solomons, who yesterday signed former Scotland A second row Fraser McKenzie from Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal, is e xpected to return to hi s homeland for his next signing, with Anton Bresler of Natal Sharks understood to be arriving at BT Murrayfield in the coming weeks to compete with McKenzie for the chance to partner Gilchrist.
McKenzie made it clear that part of his reason to return to Edinburgh was to fight his way into the Scotland set-up after falling out of the picture two years ago.
‘I want to win a starting place and get back in the Scotland squad,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘Hopefully, this move will help make that happen.’
and Edinburgh centre Matt Scott is set to miss the threematch autumn Test series against Argentina, New Zealand and Tonga following shoulder surgery. The 24year-old will be out until december after picking up the injury in the last match of the Pro12 season.