A win over rugby's elite international sides has eluded Scotland for years. Can it come against South Africa at Murrayfield?
We regularly hear from Scotland players and coaches how, on their day, they can beat any team in the world.
That big statement win over a team recognised as being at the very top of the international game has proved elusive. A single victory to propel Scotland from the seemingly endless purgatory of almost-contenders to a side finally capable of competing with the true elites of rugby union. "Getting that win instils a little bit of belief in your team. We take this as an opportunity for this game to kickstart what we want this team to achieve."When Mike Tyson was in his pomp as heavyweight champion in the late 1980s, the fear was writ large on his opponents' faces as they walked to the ring, fully aware of the grim fate about to befall them.
"Our job is to make sure that's not us. I think that's one of our main things, that we have a free swing at the world champions. The most important thing is that we hop off that bus and be here to win. "I know this is a game that we've been searching for a long time, not just South Africa, but we've been searching for a big win here at Murrayfield for a long time. Sunday is an opportunity for that."If Scotland fans are looking for reasons to believe their heroes can upset the world champions, a dive into the history books is not recommended.
With the likes of captain Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit - Scotland’s tormenter-in-chief in Marseille last year - selected to start on the bench, some wonder if Rassie Erasmus has made the call with a view to his all-star replacements making a late impact at Murrayfield, or with one eye on Twickenham and next weekend’s showdown with England.
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