Scotland defence guru Matt Taylor has admitted his men will be clear-cut underdogs when they square up to the muscle men of Samoa.
The sides clash in the opening tussle of the inaugural Castle Lager Tournament in Durban. And rugby realist Taylor reckons it could be Scotland’s toughest encounter of the year so far.
He said: “Everyone knows what Samoa are like good ball-carriers and great all-round players.
“I have been lucky enough to coach three of their current squad and they are exceptional operators. It is only a matter of months since they beat Wales, who went on to retain their Six Nations crown and they probably should have beaten France.
“These facts underline their strength.”
Taylor, whose talents were instrumental in Glasgow’s brilliant Pro12 campaign, added: “We know what is coming and everything depends on whether we are up to the challenge.
“We have worked really hard on our defence over the last two weeks.
“Structurally, we feel we’ve really made gains in what we are trying to achieve. We have really worked hard on the contact area and tackle contest.
“If you look at a lot of the Tests they have played recently, they come really had at you round that first three defenders round the ruck area so we need to be our best around that channel.
“Look at the IRB rankings where they are seventh and we are 10th, so in that respect we are the underdogs.
“They are a very, very good team and a proud rugby nation so we are going to have to be at our best to beat them. But we are very confident that is why we have chosen certain new guys to start.
“They have all been performing really, really well and now have the opportunity to step up at international level.”
Taylor forecast that young stand-off Tom Heathcote will be a prime target for the Samoan big-hitters.
He said: “Tom knows that and has worked pretty hard. He has worked with the defence coach at Bath on his technique, Mike Ford who was the England defence specialist for many years, and he is really confident in the lad’s ability as a marker.
“I have had lots of conversations with him and have watched him in the Premiership where he has done well.
“He has worked hard in the Scotland environment as well. It will be a challenge, but one he is looking forward do.”