Jack Dempsey Considers South Africa Clash “The Ultimate Test” for Scotland

Scotland’s Jack Dempsey views the upcoming match against world champions South Africa as “the ultimate test,” offering an opportunity for the team to demonstrate “how much we’ve grown” since their last encounter 14 months ago. In September of last year, Gregor Townsend’s squad suffered a decisive 18-3 defeat to the Springboks in Marseille during the World Cup’s pool stage. While the Scottish team did not advance beyond the knockout phase, South Africa secured consecutive world championship titles. Dempsey expressed his anticipation for Sunday’s Autumn Test, scheduled to take place at Murrayfield. “I’m itching for it,” stated the Australia-born back-rower. “It’s the ultimate test.” He continued, “They’re the back-to-back defending champions, the best in the world. And they deserve to have that crown. They’re the ultimate litmus test in terms of being a professional rugby player.” Dempsey added, “We’re at a point now where we want to see how much we’ve grown from the World Cup, from when we played them last time. They’re the best country for eight years straight.” He concluded, “We’re not under any illusion about what’s coming, but we’re glad to have them here and glad to play against the best in the world.” Dempsey has earned 20 caps and become a key player in Scotland’s back row since he changed his national allegiance from Australia to debut for Townsend’s team two years prior. “Yeah, I’ve loved it,” he commented. “Two years already, it feels a lot longer. There have been ups and downs like anything, but I’ve loved every second of it. I said at the time to get that second chance in the Test arena was a dream come true again.” He further elaborated, “But to fast-forward two years and the bonds I’ve created, some of the friends I’ve made, the experiences while I’ve been over here have been unreal.” Dempsey concluded by saying, “It’s just kind of been a match made in heaven with the style Gregor wants to play, with the history and the kind of identity that Scotland have always kind of had and played with.”