'We know what’s coming': Scott on Springboks' Bomb squad

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland know exactly what to expect from South Africa in their World Cup 2023 opener on Sunday, reveals lock Scott Cummings.

The Scots kick off their World Cup campaign with a challenging match against the defending champs the Springboks on Sunday.

The two teams are in Pool B with world No.1 Ireland and with only two advancing to the quarterfinals, Sunday's match could be regarded as a must-win for both teams.

Scotland have been in fine form leading into the World Cup, recording seven victories in their last 10 Tests.

However, their record against the Springbok has been poor. They have beaten the World Champs just twice.

To make the task more daunting, the Boks head into the fixture at the back of a historic 35-7 win over the All Blacks at Twickenham.

Making use of a seven-one split between forwards and backs on the bench, the Boks sent a clear warning to the opposition.

When asked about the impact of the Boks' bench, Scotland lock Scott Cummings conceded that the team has a plan to counter it.

"We are excited for that first game," Cummings said, adding: " South Africa are playing well.

"We know how they play, they play their style.

"We know what’s coming. There are things we are trying to get up on that.

"It’s a massive game, the first game of the tournament against the last tournament’s champions."

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Cummings revealed that he has learned a lot over the last four years since World Cup 2019 and is keen to help Scotland wherever he can.

"I made my debut in one of the warm-up games so it all happened pretty quickly last time. I’ve grown up quite a bit since then, playing a lot more for Scotland.

"I’ve matured as a player so I’m definitely a different player to what I was back then."

He added: "There is really good depth in the position.

"Whatever my job is in the team, I’ll do it to the best of my ability whether that’s being on the bench, whether it’s starting or whether it is not playing but helping the team out.

"I want to start and play as much as I can."

Source: @WorldRugby