Lock RG Snyman says the Springboks have never before been as focused as a squad going into a Rugby World Cup, which kicks off for the defending champions on Sunday.

The Boks open their campaign against Scotland at Stade Marseille in the second game of the Pool B clashes of the tournament.

An epic battle is expected to play out between South Africa – ranked second in the world – and the fifth-ranked Scots, with both teams desperate to win the clash with challenging matches against world number one Ireland, Tonga and Romania still to come in the pool stages.

The Boks completed their World Cup preparations with a record 35-7 win against New Zealand at a sold-out Twickenham almost two weeks ago, where Snyman memorably featured as one of seven forwards off the bench.

Also read: Boks ‘charged up’ for Scots – Nienaber

“As a squad, I don’t think we’ve been as determined and as close going into a tournament [as this one], so there’s exciting things ahead if we can stick together,” Snyman told reporters yesterday after being named on the replacements bench to face the Scots.

The past four years have been a struggle for Snyman, who has battled several injuries before capping off a return to full fitness as a key member in Munster’s Vodacom URC title win in 2022/23.

On his trials and tribulations off the field, and also playing the full 80 minutes against Wales in the build-up to the World Cup, Snyman added: “It was my first 80 minutes since 2019 when I got injured. For the Springboks, the last time I played 80 was against Canada at the previous World Cup, so it’s been a while. It was a special milestone for me to get through.

“It was a tough journey to be on but through all of it I’ve learnt a lot. I must give credit to Munster for looking after me and continuing to look after me because people can give up on you quite easily in this line of work. But credit to them for getting me back and back in the Springboks squad. It’s special to be back.

“The big thing I’ve learnt is you’re always desperate to be part of the Springboks and to wear the jersey but it’s only when it’s taken away from you that you realise how special it is.”