South Africa vs Scotland Preview & Tips - South Africa backed for big win over Scotland in Nations Championship

Scotland secured a very impressive 47-38 win over Argentina in their opening Nations Championship match. 

South Africa have won their last 10 against Scotland, with their last win seeing them down their opponents 32-15 back in 2024. 

South Africa were outstanding against England last weekend as they stormed to a deserved 45-21 win over the tourists. 

The Springboks started with an intensity you do not often see as they crushed England's defence, starved them of the ball and created and ran through huge holes in the opposition. Three tries in the opening 11 minutes had South Africa 17-0 up and cruising. 

While they did seem to take their foot off the pedal, their start was a warning. England did stay competitive as they dragged themselves back into the game at 17-14, but they could not keep up with their opponents. A mix of well-timed South Africa changes and a brace of yellow cards in the 70th and 72nd minutes for England saw South Africa pull away with two late tries to make it 45-21. 

England did well not to slump to a truly humiliating loss, but South Africa were merely flexing their ability to hammer one of the teams below them. The intensity of their running, intelligent usage of the ball and massive power in the contact had England reeling. If the Springboks can match their intensity in this one, then Scotland will struggle. 

Of course, the string of changes South Africa have made will have an impact on the game, but the home side will be hugely confident, and I back them to make it two from two this week.

While New Zealand vs France and Australia vs Ireland may have taken the headlines in the opening week of the Nations Championship, Scotland's win over Argentina showcased some superb running rugby. 

Despite conceding the opening try, Scotland battled to go in 19-10 up at half-time before going over for four tries in the second-half. Argentina did score two late tries as the game edged towards its conclusion, but the job was already done before the Pumas threatened a comeback. 

This week, Finn Russell's return is the major news, with the fly-half looking to pull the strings for Scotland. Providing him with time to pick his head up and throw a pass or put boot to ball is vital. However, South Africa's defensive speed is incredibly intense, meaning time is at a premium. If Russell can pull the strings then this game may be competitive, but Scotland are likely to be hit with a similar kind of intensity to that which England crumbled under last weekend.

The Scottish will likely arrive looking to throw the ball around meaning points will be scored, but outscoring this South Africa side is far easier said than done.