South Africa v Scotland Prediction, Preview & Odds – Rugby World Cup

We have a South Africa v Scotland prediction plus all the betting odds for you as we preview this crucial opening round game in Pool B.

South Africa v Scotland Match Info

When? 4.45pm, Sunday, September 10th

Where? Stade Velodrome, Marseille

TV Channel? ITV1/ Virgin Media One

South Africa v Scotland Betting Odds

South Africa go into this game as the commanding favourites at odds of 1/6. Scotland on the other hand are the underdogs at 4/1 in the betting while the draw can be backed at odds of 33/1.

South Africa v Scotland Preview

South Africa’s Form

The South Africans are the reigning Rugby World Cup champions having won the tournament last time it was played in 2019. In that tournament they beat a fancied England team in the final 32-12 to cap off an incredible campaign.

The Springboks always seem to peak for Rugby World Cups and proof of this is their 3 Webb Ellis trophies which is the most tournament wins along with New Zealand who also have 3 Rugby World Cups to their name. This year appears to be no different as they are ranked as 2nd in the world after a strong 2023.

South Africa have only lost one game so far this year. That loss came against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship back in July. Since then they have won four straight including two victories over Argentina, a 52-16 trashing of Wales and most recently (and perhaps most notably) a 35-7 demolition of the All Blacks in Twickenham.

That victory over New Zealand in particular has many tipping South Africa as the team to beat with their unique use of their substitutions causing quite the stir in the rugby world.

For a more in-depth look at South Africa’s chances in this Rugby World Cup and all their betting odds check out our South Africa Rugby World Cup Odds post.

Scotland’s Form

This Rugby World Cup is coming at the right time for this Scotland team. Scottish rugby is in as good a place as we’ve seen it for quite some time.

Scotland are the 5th ranked team in the world ahead of the kick-off of this Rugby World Cup. They will be quietly confident that they can cause a surprise in Pool B despite many expecting South Africa and Ireland to coast to qualification.

At the beginning of the year Scotland gave a great account of themselves in the Six Nations as they finished 3rd behind only Ireland and France. During that Six Nations they beat England in Twickenham before dismantling Wales 35-7 in Murrayfield.

The Scottish have played four games this summer to prepare for the Rugby World Cup. The first of those games came against Italy which they won rather comfortably on a scoreline of 25-13. The big test then came against Rugby World Cup favourites France who they beat 25-21 in Murrayfield. France would avenge that loss a week later in Saint-Etienne but even still there were only three points separating the sides.

Scotland’s most recent outing came against Georgia who they made light work of in a 33-6 victory. A strong Six Nations followed by impressive performances this summer suggests that Scotland should not be underestimated in Pool B and are more than capable of pulling off a surprise in Pool B either in this game against South Africa or later on against Ireland.

For a more in-depth look at Scotland’s chances in this Rugby World Cup and all their betting odds check out our Scotland Rugby World Cup Odds post.

South Africa v Scotland Lineups

South Africa Starting Lineup

5⃣0⃣ up for De Klerk as Boks name an experienced side to face Scotland in Marseille on Sunday – team announcement: https://t.co/FiheVer0h1 💥#Springboks #StrongerTogether #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/Wq2bNd7iq5

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 6, 2023

Scotland Starting Lineup

Your Scotland team to kick-off @rugbyworldcup 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Read more ➡ https://t.co/uaQPqBURp2 pic.twitter.com/XnHA615RpK

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) September 8, 2023

South Africa v Scotland Head-To-Head Results

South Africa and Scotland have met 28 times in test rugby. South Africa have won 23 of those games, Scotland have won 5 times and there have been no draws.

Here are the last five results between these two teams:

Scotland 15-30 South Africa | November 13, 2021 | Murrayfield, Scotland

Scotland 20-26 South Africa | November 17, 2018 | Murrayfield, Scotland

South Africa 34-16 Scotland | October 3, 2015 | St James’ Park, England

South Africa 55-6 Scotland | June 28, 2014 | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, South Africa

Scotland 0-28 South Africa | 17 November, 2013 | Murrayfield, Scotland

South Africa v Scotland Prediction & Best Bet

Prediction: South Africa 27 – 25 Scotland

I am predicting that South Africa will win this game but that it will be a lot closer than people think. In my opinion, the Springboks have become a little overrated in the leadup to this tournament since their thrashing of New Zealand while Scotland are coming in under the radar.

Best Bet: Scotland +11 @ 10/11

If you liked this post then you’ll probably like our England v Argentina preview post in another key game of this Rugby World Cup’s opening round.

Click Below For All Our South Africa v Scotland Odds

*Prices Subject To Fluctuation

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