Scotland attach coach Gregor Townsend is confident an improving Scottish side will defeat South Africa at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Despite Scotland’s 51-22 home loss to New Zealand last Sunday, Townsend believes there were a number of positives to build on going into the weekend’s meeting with the Springboks.  

“For a start, we scored three tries and were very competitive in the forwards and, in the second half, we showed some real character to keep competing,” Townsend remarked in a column in the Evening Times newspaper.

“The other aspect was that all the areas we were good in are the boxes that will need to be ticked against the Boks.”

Townsend also feels the Springboks will be under pressure to play a more enterprising brand of rugby after their 16-12 win over Ireland in Dublin.

“While South Africa are the world's No.2 team, their coaching staff are under a bit of pressure to produce more attractive rugby.

“I think coming to Edinburgh this weekend they are doing so knowing more will be expected of them from back home.

“On top of that, we beat the Boks two years ago when they came to Murrayfield and we have done that twice in the last 10 years.

“So, when all of that is taken into account, then I think we have a real chance to get something.”