Scotland have been boosted by the return of talismanic flyhalf Finn Russell for Saturday’s crucial Nations Championship clash against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Russell, set to play in his 95th Test, is one of three changes to the starting XV that defeated Argentina in Buenos Aires last weekend, with head coach Gregor Townsend recalling his chief playmaker for one of their toughest clashes of the year.
The Scots also opted for nine Glasgow Warriors players in the run-on side, with the visitors led by inside centre Sione Tuipulotu as they look to down the high-flying Boks.
Townsend has also opted for an all-Glasgow Warriors back three, with Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie selected on the wings and Kyle Rowe at fullback as Scotland look to build on their opening-round victory.
In a bid to counter the Springboks’ renowned Bomb Squad, Scotland have selected a six-two split on the replacements bench in favour of the forwards. British and Irish Lions prop Rory Sutherland is in line to earn his 50th Test cap should he come off the bench. Townsend surprised by not selecting a recognised back-up scrumhalf.
Hooker Gregor Hiddleston retains his place among the replacements after an impressive Test debut in last weekend’s win, while lock Alex Samuel is also retained following his impact off the bench.
Flyhalf Tom Jordan drops to the bench after starting against the Pumas. Will Hurd, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury and back Stafford McDowall are all set to make their first appearances of the 2026 Nations Championship after being included in the matchday 23.
Scotland will hope Russell’s experience and game management can help steer them to what would be a famous victory over the world champions as they look to make a major statement in Pretoria in their first clash in South Africa since 2014.
Scotland XV
15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 11 Jamie Dobie, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Gregor Brown, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Magnus Bradbury, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.
