Boks make 10 changes as Rassie names team to face Scotland

The Springboks will field a significantly reshuffled side for Saturday’s Nations Championship showdown against Scotland, with head coach Rassie Erasmus continuing his plan to build squad depth ahead of a demanding international season, Joburg {etc} reports.

Fresh off an impressive victory over England, Erasmus has resisted the temptation to stick with a winning combination, instead making 10 changes to his starting XV as South Africa prepares for another stern examination at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The decision reflects the coach’s long-term vision of giving as many players as possible meaningful Test opportunities before a packed schedule that also includes the eagerly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clashes later this year.

While several new faces come into the starting lineup, the Springboks have retained enough experience to provide continuity.

Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Ruan Nortje, Paul de Villiers and stand-in captain Pieter-Steph du Toit all keep their places after last weekend’s victory over England.

Du Toit will once again captain the side after taking over leadership duties following Siya Kolisi’s late withdrawal in the previous Test, while Willemse heads into the encounter full of confidence after celebrating his 50th Test appearance.

Paul de Villiers also earns another opportunity after making his Test debut against England, continuing what has already been a memorable start to his international career.

The backline has a noticeably different look this week.

Aphelele Fassi returns at fullback and will combine with Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie in an exciting back three, while Handre Pollard returns to marshal the attack alongside Embrose Papier at halfback.

In midfield, the experienced pairing of Kriel and Willemse will be tasked with providing both creativity and defensive stability.

Erasmus has also refreshed the forward pack.

Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw form an entirely new front row, while Cobus Wiese joins Nortje in the second row.

The loose trio sees De Villiers lining up alongside Du Toit and Evan Roos, giving South Africa a blend of physicality, mobility and work rate.

The bench features a six-two split between forwards and backs.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zach Porthen provide front-row cover, while Ben-Jason Dixon, Vincent Tshituka and Elrigh Louw offer additional options among the forwards.

Grant Williams and Quan Horn complete the replacements.

Several established Springboks remain unavailable through injury or minor niggles.

Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker were all ruled out of selection.

Explaining his thinking, Erasmus said the squad has been aware since the start of the season that opportunities would be shared.

‘We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team.’

‘We told the players from the outset that we would give as many of them a chance as possible to play this season, while we are also trying to manage some players, while others are not available for selection this week, so it was important to select a team with some continuity from last week, while bringing in players we believe will be the right fit for what we are expecting from Scotland.’

The Springbok coach also expects Scotland to arrive in Pretoria full of confidence after recent positive performances.

‘They had a good Six Nations campaign, and they come off a victory against Argentina away, so they will be psyched up going into this match.’

Erasmus added that many of the selected players have already built combinations together, both in the national setup and at provincial level, with several also familiar with Loftus Versfeld after representing the Bulls.

‘All of the players have been working extremely hard at training, and they are fully aware of the threat Scotland poses. Many of these combinations have played together for the Springboks and for their provincial teams this season.’

‘Many of the players will also be playing at their home ground at Loftus Versfeld, so they know the field and conditions well.’

Despite making sweeping changes, Erasmus is expecting another fiercely contested Test against Gregor Townsend’s side.

‘They are a quality team, who will test us in all areas of the game, and they are well coached, so they will throw everything they have at us.’

‘Matches against them are always tough, and looking back, there have been some very close encounters between the sides in the past, so we need to be switched on from the first whistle, be accurate in all departments of the game, and use our opportunities if we want to get the desired result.’

Springbok team to face Scotland in Pretoria:

15 Aphelele Fassi
14 Canan Moodie
13 Jesse Kriel
12 Damian Willemse
11 Edwill van der Merwe
10 Handre Pollard
9 Embrose Papier

8 Evan Roos
7 Paul de Villiers
6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain)
5 Ruan Nortje
4 Cobus Wiese
3 Wilco Louw
2 Johan Grobbelaar
1 Boan Venter

Replacements:

16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
17 Ntuthuko Mchunu
18 Zach Porthen
19 Ben-Jason Dixon
20 Vincent Tshituka
21 Elrigh Louw
22 Grant Williams
23 Quan Horn

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