South Africa’s Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday will set the tone for their title defence and captain Siya Kolisi believes it is the perfect opportunity to kick-start their campaign in France.

South Africa lost their opener to New Zealand in 2019 but that defeat galvanised the squad to play ‘knockout rugby’ from their second match to advance through the pool, eventually lifting the trophy.

There is more expectation on them this time round, but Kolisi says having to play an in-form Scotland first up in a Pool B that also includes world number one Ireland has sharpened their focus and a challenge they are keen to embrace.

“When it doesn’t go well in 2019, every game became a playoff for us and that was good. I think any team would want to start like this so that you can see where you are and then make your plans from there,” Kolisi told reporters on Friday.

“A lot has been said about our pool, but at the end of the day you have to beat the best to win the World Cup. It doesn’t matter how you do it.”
Kolisi admits Scotland will be a mighty challenge but feels the Springboks’ meticulous preparation will stand them in good stead.

“They are a great team, they have been playing amazingly, you can see that in their results,” he said. “We give them all the respect, but we have prepared really well. We have seen a lot of them and that is why we go into the game with confidence, because of the work we have put in.”

Playing in the United Rugby Championship for the past couple of seasons means many of the Scottish, and Irish for that matter, players are well known by the Boks, something that would not have been the been the case before.

“It has played a huge role. Before that, you would only see some players for the first time in internationals,” Kolisi said.

The flanker added that this was, in his opinion, arguably the most open World Cup since the first tournament in 1987, but shies away from his side being favourites.

“I don’t know if people see us as favourites, we don’t think about that. What I do know is that everyone is coming for what we have, and we will give everything to defend it. I don’t know who the favourites are.”

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