McKillop targets USA clash after battering from 'Boks

Published on Wednesday 11 June 2008 10:27

SCOTLAND under-20 assistant rugby coach Bob McKillop believes his side will face their most important match of the tournament when they face United States on Saturday.

The Scots were outclassed by a powerful South African side in Wrexham last night, eventually going down 72-3.

It was a second-successive loss although, as with the defeat against Samoa in the opening match, the result was consistent with the tournament rankings.

The young Springboks, who are ranked No.2 in the world, gave the Scots a torrid time and eventually ran in ten tries, with Scotland's only points coming from a first-half penalty by Edinburgh Accies stand off Jamie Murray.

"They were so physical and strong," admitted McKillop. "The game was a huge step up in terms of the dynamism and power from anything we have experienced in the Six Nations."

Against opponents who are all involved in Super 14 squads, the Scots, some of whom are not even regulars at club level, battled gamely and had brief spells in the ascendancy. However, they had no answer to the all round skill of the South Africans, who underlined why they are among the favourites to win the title.

Scotland lock Richie Gray sustained a broken jaw and will miss the rest of the tournament, while several others picked up knocks.

"We showed in patches that we could get over the gain line and the guys never backed off but South Africa were very, very good," added McKillop.

"We've got some bruised and battered boys. We weren't just beaten on the scoreboard. We also took a hammering physically."

However, he insists that the focus will switch immediately to preparing for a game the Scots are desperate to win.

"We have to dust ourselves down and get on with it. The difference is that we are seeded to beat America and we want to make sure we stick to that seeding.

"We need to focus on what is in front of us. We'll need to see how the injuries are and then start the build up. As far a we are concerned, the US match is judgement day for us."