Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named a refreshed side for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld. He made 10 changes to the starting XV as he continues his plan of giving more players valuable Test experience this season.
The squad still retains a strong core. Erasmus has kept 10 players from the matchday 23 that defeated England 45-21 last weekend. As a result, he continues to balance consistency while carefully managing his squad during a demanding international campaign.
The season also includes Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry later in August and September, making squad rotation a key priority.
Springboks Retain Experienced Core
Five players keep their places in the starting lineup following last week’s win over England. They are Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers and Ruan Nortje.
Du Toit will captain the side once again after leading the team following Siya Kolisi’s late withdrawal last week.
Meanwhile, Willemse celebrated his 50th Test appearance against England, while De Villiers earned his first Springbok cap.
Canan Moodie also returns to the starting XV after featuring off the bench. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Zach Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon and Grant Williams remain among the replacements.
Fresh Backline Brings New Combinations
Erasmus has introduced several changes in the backline.
Aphelele Fassi starts at fullback alongside wings Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie. In midfield, Jesse Kriel partners Damian Willemse.
Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier will control proceedings from halfback. Both players are familiar with Loftus Versfeld and will enjoy home-ground support.
Forward Pack Gets New Look
The Springboks have also reshaped their forward pack.
Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw form the front row. Cobus Wiese joins Ruan Nortje in the second row.
Paul de Villiers keeps his place after an impressive Test debut. He completes the loose trio alongside captain Pieter-Steph du Toit and Evan Roos.
On the bench, Erasmus has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zach Porthen provide front-row cover. Ben-Jason Dixon, Vincent Tshituka and Elrigh Louw strengthen the forward reserves. Grant Williams and Quan Horn cover the backline.
Injury List Still Affects Selection
Several experienced Springboks remain unavailable through injury.
Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker all continue to recover from various niggles.
Their absence has created opportunities for several younger players to impress.
Erasmus Confident in Squad Depth
Erasmus believes the depth within the Springbok squad remains one of its biggest strengths.
“We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team,” he said.
He explained that the coaching staff committed to giving as many players as possible an opportunity this season. At the same time, they are managing workloads while covering for injured players.
“It was important to keep some continuity from last week while bringing in players we believe will suit what we expect from Scotland,” Erasmus added.
Scotland Expected to Provide Tough Challenge
Despite the changes, Erasmus expects a difficult contest.
Scotland enjoyed a strong Six Nations campaign and recently secured an away victory over Argentina. Therefore, he expects them to arrive in Pretoria full of confidence.
“All of the players have been working extremely hard at training,” Erasmus said.
He added that many of the selected combinations already have experience together, both for the Springboks and their provincial teams.
Several players also know Loftus Versfeld well, which should help them settle quickly.
Springboks Must Be Accurate from the Start
Erasmus believes Scotland will challenge his side across the park.
“They are a quality team who will test us in all areas of the game,” he said.
He also pointed to the close history between the two nations. Because of that, the Springboks must remain switched on from the opening whistle.
“We need to be accurate in every department and take our opportunities if we want the result.”
The Test kicks off at 17:40 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok Team to Face Scotland
Starting XV
- Aphelele Fassi
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Jesse Kriel
- Damian Willemse
- Canan Moodie
- Handre Pollard
- Embrose Papier
- Evan Roos
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain)
- Paul de Villiers
- Ruan Nortje
- Cobus Wiese
- Wilco Louw
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Boan Venter
Replacements
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Zach Porthen
- Ben-Jason Dixon
- Vincent Tshituka
- Elrigh Louw
- Grant Williams
- Quan Horn
Springboks’ Record Against Scotland
The Springboks have enjoyed a dominant record against Scotland over the years.
- Played: 30
- Won: 25
- Lost: 5
- Win percentage: 83.3%
- Points scored: 792
- Points conceded: 339
- Tries scored: 96
- Tries conceded: 32
- Highest score: 68
- Biggest winning margin: 58 points
- Average score: 26-11
