Darcy Graham insists Scotland will treat every Rugby World Cup game as though it’s the final.

The winger will line up against South Africa this afternoon with a belief they can win a Pool B opener against the reigning champions despite the odds being stacked against them. Gregor Townsend ’s side haven’t beaten the Springboks since 2010 and they’ve also been paired with number one ranked side Ireland in a group of death which includes Tonga and Romania.

As the curtain comes up in Marseille today against the Springboks, Graham insists defeat isn’t an option. He said: “It’s a huge challenge for us, every game is going to be a final for us. It’s a World Cup and we can’t lose a game. We want to kick on and make the latter stages but we are just going to take it one game at a time. Is it coming to the boil at the perfect time? Yes, it probably is.”

Scotland crashed out of the last World Cup four years ago at the group stage but Graham is convinced they’re now the sum of all parts. He said: “Everyone now knows their roles, they never knew that at the last World Cup. If you ask anyone in our squad, they will tell you about their role.”

Meanwhile, Steve Tandy reckons Scotland have the muscle to front up to South Africa as he warned the Springboks would “try to come through the front door.” The Scotland assistant coach said: “We believe in our physicality and the way we want to go about imposing it.

“Whether that’s at the breakdown or in the tackle contest. I have no concerns about this group being overpowered.

“I see them work every day, I see them in the gym and the way they play rugby."