Kyle Steyn has warned Scotland they have to be prepared to match Tonga’s physicality and fervour if they’re to safe the bonus-point win they require in the Rugby World Cup this weekend.
The Scots go into their second match on the match in Nice on Sunday figuring out they haven’t any margin for error remaining after dropping their opening recreation to South Africa.
Gregor Townsend’s aspect might be sizzling favourites to get the outcome they want, however wing Steyn insisted it will be a mistake to underestimate the patriotic Tongans, who’re ranked fifteenth in the world and searching to bounce again from a 59-16 defeat by Ireland.
“It will be a physical test, especially at a World Cup,” he mentioned. “Tonga has a really passionate culture, they’re big on family and they really play for each other.
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“We know they’re going to be out to represent their country and their families, and that’s going to bring a lot of physicality. It’s about dealing with that and matching it.”
Having been idle final weekend, Scotland have had a lot time to replicate and regroup since their demoralising 18-3 defeat by South Africa.
Glasgow again Steyn views the Tonga match as a giant alternative for the Scots to get their World Cup up and working and restore the sense of optimism that had been constructing amongst their supporters prior to the setback towards the Springboks.
“We pride ourselves on the connection we’ve managed to build with the fans and the people back home,” mentioned the 29-year-old. “We didn’t give our best showing against South Africa so it’s important we go out there and right some of those wrongs.
“Every game is must-win for us now. We can’t look too far ahead but this weekend is big because it is the one that gives us the chance to get back on track and get the momentum rolling.”
Scotland, who’ve reported no recent accidents because the South Africa recreation, are on the right track to have a full-strength squad accessible for Sunday’s match, with hooker Ewan Ashman and scrum-half George Horne again in rivalry after concussion and back-rower Luke Crosbie having overcome a rib drawback.
Horne declared that, after stewing over the Springboks defeat, the gamers are keen to get again into motion as they bid to revive their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“Coming off the back of a disappointing loss last week, everyone just wants to get back out there,” mentioned the Glasgow scrum-half. “We’ve had the week to lick our wounds and everyone’s raring to get back out there and get involved in another World Cup game.”
Scotland have been staying close to Nice and coaching at Stade Nicois’ rugby floor – lower than two miles from Stade de Nice – since arriving in France at the beginning of September.
After their opening match befell in Marseille, they’re wanting ahead to enjoying in their base metropolis for the primary time this weekend.
“We’ve got our base here in Nice and everyone’s at home now,” mentioned Horne. “The stadium looks amazing, the atmosphere has been unbelievable in the games that have been played there already so everyone’s buzzing to get out there and play.”
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