John Rutherford reeled off half a dozen names who could destroy Scotland's World Cup dream but insisted "We're not scared".

The Five Nations champions go into Sunday's clash with South Africa at Murrayfield as massive underdogs.

Even though the Springboks, by their own admission, have endured a poor summer, the Scottish camp are wary of the fate which lies in wait for them this weekend.

Rutherford, a 42-times capped international whose career was ended by a knee injury picked up after just six minutes of Scotland's first-ever World Cup match in 1987 against France, is experienced enough to know that South Africa never send a poor side onto the international field.

And he also believes that the Springboks' recent traumas were not as damaging as many imagine.

"Rather than look at the whole Tri-Nations series, we should just pinpoint the last two matches," said the Scotland assistant coach.

"They ran New Zealand pretty close in Pretoria, then beat Australia a week before the Wallabies hammered the All Blacks."

Injuries to key men, including half-back partners Joost van der Westhuizen and Henry Honiball, deprived the South African coach Nick Mallett of the continuity he had been looking for as his preparations for the World Cup began to take shape.

But now he has a full strength side to choose from and Rutherford can only cast an envious glance at the talent Mallett has at his disposal.

Scotland are continuing their build-up along the blustery shores of Troon, although their has been little chance to enjoy the delights of the Open golf course their hotel sits next to.

Rutherford insists work is hard and senses a new edge developing in the side.

"Since we arrived the training has been intense and high quality. We will be ready for them."

Scotland are also benefiting from the input of former Northampton coach Ian McGeechan who, although not officially taking over from Jim Telfer as head coach until after the competition, has been heavily involved.

Neither Rutherford, nor forwards coach Hugh Campbell have come to any decision over their long-term futures.

Both have contracts which expire at the end of the Six Nations championship next spring and seem keen to carry on in their present roles should McGeechan require.

At least Rutherford's involvement in this competition will last longer than six minutes.

Ironically, he was replaced in Dunedin by Alan Tait, now the veteran of the Scottish side.

"When you consider what he has achieved both in union and league, his enthusiasm for the game is astounding," said Rutherford.

But, despite Tait's experience and Townsend and Leslie's joint return, Scotland remain massive underdogs.

Van der Westhuizen's claim that the game is 50-50 was rejected by Rutherford, who believes the Springbok captain was playing the diplomatic card.