Scotland v South Africa
Gold impressed by Scotland pack
PA Sport
November 14, 2008
Gary Gold and John Smit during the Springboks practice session at Fettes College in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 11, 2008.
Gold plots the Scots' downfall with skipper John Smit during training this week © Getty Images
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South Africa's Gary Gold is expecting his players to be given a thorough examination by Scotland this week at Murrayfield.

The Springbok forwards coach was impressed by the way Saturday's opponents got the better of New Zealand at scrum time last weekend despite the Scots' 32-6 defeat. "It's not a bad pack at all. They were quite disruptive against the All Blacks," said Gold. "They pride themselves on their forward battle and the confrontation up front.

"They'll be quite feisty but also technically very good in the scrums, so I think it is going to be a good Test match in that department."

Scotland must win tomorrow to give themselves a chance of getting ahead of Ireland in the IRB world rankings table and into the second tier of seeds when the draw for the 2011 Rugby World Cup is made next month. Gold, though, insists there is no more at stake for the home team than there is for their opponents, the reigning world champions.

"They have a lot to play for this weekend, but I wouldn't say they have more than South Africa to play for," continued Gold. "This tour is key to us because back home everyone is so passionate and any loss is totally unacceptable for them.

"As a squad it is important for us because it is our last chance to build a bit of momentum before the Lions tour to South Africa next year. We don't have a lot of time to work with our guys, so this is a big chance for us to do that.

"We are playing against three out of the four nations that are going to make up the British and Irish Lions team next year, and these guys are going to be going hammer and tongs to get a place on what has become an historic tour, so we want to lay down a marker here and now."

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