With inside knowledge on several key Springboks, centre Huw Jones says Scotland can ill-afford to let any chances on offer slip away when the teams clash on Sunday.
Speaking with former Boks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh on the Behind the Ruck podcast ahead of the Murrayfield Test, Jones hailed the the world champions’ brand of rugby while emphasising that their gameplay is about more than just physicality.
“It’s always tough playing against the Springboks; they don’t really have any real weakness that you can see,” Jones said.
“A lot of people think they’re a physical, kicking team but the reality is they manage the game really well. They know when to kick, they know when to attack.”
This unique insight is partly due to Jones’ past with the DHL Stormers, where he played alongside current Bok stars and two-time World Cup winners, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi.
Reflecting on his time in Cape Town, Jones credited the Stormers with shaping his career. “Looking back on it, I was able to kind of take it all in my stride and learn from the best,” he shared.
“One thing I’m thankful for is looking at a lot of what those players have gone on to do… the core of that team was at the Stormers when I was first starting out.”
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In the years since, Jones has become a leading figure in Scottish rugby, and helped deliver the Glasgow Warriors their 2023-24 Vodacom URC title with a match-winning try. But against the Boks, he knows precision will be paramount.
“Any loose turnover, any time you’ve left a gap in defence they’re going to exploit that. You can never switch off; you’ve always got to be ready,” he warned.
“Their big guys up front are able to dictate how the game goes, so the biggest thing for us is we’ve got to meet them with that physicality and… shut down their attacking players out wide.”
Jones also highlighted the critical importance of taking any opportunities that do come Scotland’s way. “You may get one or two chances in the game and you’ve got to take those; they don’t give anything for free,” he noted.
“Their scramble defence is so good… so if you make a break you’ve either got to score or keep the ball for the next [phase] because it doesn’t come easy.”
The 30-year-old Jones, who also won the 2017 Currie Cup with DHL Western Province, is mindful of the lessons learned from his time in the Republic.
“I think it’s cool… to start where I started out and to learn from some amazing players and coaches,” he reflected.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
