Embrose Papier is set to start at scrumhalf for the Springboks this weekend, marking his first appearance for the national side since 2018. Photo: Backpagepix
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made wholesale changes to his matchday 23 for their Nations Championship clash against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld this weekend, it was revealed on Monday morning.
A total of 10 players who faced England this past weekend in that 45-21 victory have been retained, including Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers, Ruan Nortje, Canan Moodie, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Zach Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Grant Williams.
It was expected as early as Sunday — after SA Rugby had posted the media schedule for the match in Pretoria — that Erasmus and Co had already planned the look and feel of the team to face the Scots last week, barring considerations pertaining to injuries and suspensions.
That prediction became reality on Monday with the release of the team sheet, with captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker not considered due to ongoing niggles.
