Story audio is generated using AIScotland’s experienced flyhalf Finn Russell is back in the team that will play the Springboks in their Nations Championship contest at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Scotland’s match-day 23 boasts much more experience than South Africa’s, with a combined 761 caps to the Springboks’ 514, though the visitors still regard the hosts as favourites.Russell is one of three changes to the starting XV that beat Argentina 47-38 in Cordoba last weekend. Lock Gregor Brown and prop Zander Fagerson, who came off the bench on Saturday, are in the starting line-up as well. "We see it as an opportunity to see where we are, to test ourselves against the best."Head coach Gregor Townsend is looking forward to taking on the Springboks in South Africa for the first time since 2014. pic.twitter.com/pXdO7Btxhw— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) July 9, 2026
Russell, with 94 caps, is the most experienced player in the Scottish 23, followed by the Fagerson brothers, Zander (82) and flanker Matt (65). Then comes South African Pierre Schoeman (50). Kyle Steyn and Schoeman are the two South African-born players in the team, but coach Gregor Townsend does not expect facing the Springboks to provide any extra motivation.“They get up playing for Scotland, and they’ve played very well for Scotland. I think we’ve got two guys in the squad who are now among our most experienced players, and they’ll be relishing this game just like any game played for Scotland.” Scotland’s starting XV features a combined 625 caps, compared with the Boks’ 445. They have a further 136 caps on the bench, while South Africa has 69. The depth that they’ve created is very impressive and the Springbok jersey is something that is powerful for the motivation of the players.— Scotland coach Gregor TownsendTownsend said on Thursday the Springboks remain the world’s best team despite leaving out several first-choice players.“If you look at the last 10 games South Africa have played, the team has changed regularly, no matter who they’re going up against. Have a look at the northern hemisphere tour they went on; it’s quite similar to the squad they picked this weekend. “The depth that they’ve created is very impressive and the Springbok jersey is something that is powerful for the motivation of the players.“We know we’re going to be up against that quality South African side that have been the best in the world now for the past few years.” Scotland team (15-1): Kyle Rowe, Kyle Steyn, Rory Hutchinson, Sione Tuipulotu (capt), Jamie Dobie, Finn Russell, Ben White; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown, Zander Fagerson, Ewan Ashman, Pierre Schoeman. Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Alex Samuel, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall. Business Day
