Steyn (SCO) - 'We must get back on track against Tonga'

Comment from Scotland wing/centre Kyle Steyn at a media briefing at Stade des Arboras.

On how he is feeling being back in training:

"It feels good. It was great to have a couple of days off to reset. But we got straight back into it on Thursday, the energy was good."

On happy memories of playing Tonga after scoring four tries against them at Murrayfield in October 2021:

"It was my second cap. A great day out, the first time we had fans back in Murrayfield. Good memories, but I remember some pretty hard hits too. It will be a tough game.

"That game was incredibly special. When I look back I just think about how much history Scottish rugby has and to have a small tiny piece of that is incredibly proud for my family."

On the Pool B game against Tonga at Stade de Nice on Sunday, 24 September:

"It will be physical, that will be the big one. Especially at a World Cup. Tonga and Tongan people have a really passionate culture. They play for each other and are big on family. We know they are coming out there to represent their families and their country.

"That's going to bring a lot of physicality. It's about matching that. We are proud of the connection we have managed to build with the people back home.

"We felt we didn't give our best showing against South Africa. It's about getting out there to right some of those wrongs."

On if every game now is a must-win for Scotland:

"Yes, definitely. But we cannot really look that far ahead. That's why this one is big. This one can put us back on track and get the momentum rolling."

On if he was disappointed not to be in squad for the game against his native South Africa:

"I was absolutely gutted. But I understood that the guys who were picked ahead of me are phenomenal players and in great form.

"That's the good thing about our squad, that we have that level of competitiveness. You just hope to be on the other side of it sometimes.

"After two weeks off, we want to get back out there and put our best foot forward. I want to be part of that 23."

On it being unusual for Scotland not to score a try in the defeat by South Africa:

"Yes, but credit to South Africa. That's what they do and they did it pretty well on the day. We had a few missed opportunities. I thought we absorbed the pressure really well.

"We just struggled to apply a bit more pressure. We have looked at that and we know where we need to be better."

On squad's thoughts for hooker Dave Cherry who is out of the tournament after a head injury sustained slipping on stairs at the team hotel:

"Gutted for Dave, that it's ending like that. We wish him well and we're happy that he's healthy.

"We just try to look to the flip-side. We have got 'Rambo' (Stuart McInally) in. He didn't make the squad and was retiring on 49 caps so it's great to have someone with that experience. 

"He's also bringing a fresh energy. You can see his desire to get out there and get his 50th. Great for the squad to have him with us."