‘Losing to Scots is not an option’

Newcastle

--

South Africa have to beat Scotland next Saturday if they are not to go home with their tails between their legs said Springboks hooker Schalk Brits yesterday.

The 34-year-old -- who plays his club rugby for English Premiership club Saracens -- added he and his team-mates were ready to make their rugby-mad compatriots proud of them in the Pool B clash in Newcastle.

In doing so they would restore some of the pride they lost when Japan inflicted the greatest upset in World Cup history on them with a 34-32 triumph in Brighton over a week ago.

The Scots top the pool with a maximum 10 points, three clear of the ‘Boks -- who got back on track with a 46-6 demolition of the Samoans on Saturday -- and both Samoa and Japan on four points with two games remaining. Tailenders United States are pointless. “For us it’s our final. If we lose this we’re out,” said Brits.

“We are in this position and we’re ready to fight and make our country proud.”

Brits, who would have won more caps but for opting to move to Saracens in 2009, professed himself to be a fan of how the Scots played rugby thanks to the new style imposed by coach Vern Cotter.