Scotland hooker Gregor Hiddleston, after an impressive Test debut against Argentina, is ready to face the challenges of playing against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Hiddleston, who scored in his first international match, credits his previous success at the same venue with Glasgow Warriors during the 2024 Vodacom URC final as a valuable experience that will aid his performance on Saturday.
Hiddleston shared his thoughts on returning to South Africa, "I’ve been there with Glasgow before. One of the fondest memories I have was when we won the URC out there. That was a great night to be a part of, so looking forward to getting back." The familiarity with South African conditions, gained through regular participation in the URC, is something that Hiddleston believes will benefit the Scottish team.
"Being in the URC, we go across our two-week tour every season, and it’s massive for us. We’re a bit more used to it now, going over there. I think we’ve got good experience being there and know what it’s all about. But we know it’s going to be a big test against South Africa and a big, strong team, so we’ll have to put our best foot forward."
Scotland's recent victory over Argentina has boosted the team's confidence, setting a positive tone as they prepare for the formidable Springboks, who have just secured a win against England. Loftus Versfeld, known for its intense atmosphere, poses a significant challenge, yet the Scottish camp remains optimistic.
"I think there’s definitely a lot of confidence in the camp. You can see that even off the pitch as well, all the boys are so close and well-connected. It transfers into the pitch, so it’s a really happy place to be."
The upcoming match in Pretoria is not just another game for Hiddleston or Scotland; it's a test of their ability to compete against one of the strongest rugby teams in their own backyard, leveraging past experiences and current team dynamics to strive for another memorable victory.