The only players who started in the emphatic 45-21 victory against England in Johannesburg and retain their places in the run-on side are Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers, and Ruan Nortjé.

The most notable change comes at flyhalf, where the experienced Handré Pollard returns to steer the Springbok backline. He will link up with his Bulls teammate Embrose Papier, who completes the halfback pairing.

Handré Pollard. Photo: Morgan Piek

Willemse, who delivered a standout performance and was named Player of the Match against England, shifts from fullback to inside centre, while Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie will provide the attacking threat out wide on the wings.

Upfront, Evan Roos gets an opportunity to make an impact from the back of the scrum, while Du Toit returns to the side of the pack and continues as captain. Nortjé will partner Cobus Wiese in the second row, while a fresh-looking front row sees Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, and Boan Venter all handed starts.

The replacements bench features the versatile Quan Horn, who offers cover in several positions across the backline, including flyhalf.

Evan Roos. Photo: Morgan Piek

Erasmus said despite a lengthy injury list, he has full confidence in the depth of the squad and believes the selected group has what it takes to get the job done against a dangerous Scottish outfit.

“We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team,” said Erasmus.

Continuity

“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.”

Johan Grobbelaar. Photo: Morgan Piek

“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 the players have been putting in the hard yards at training, but they are also well aware of the threat Scotland will pose after their impressive performance against Argentina in the opening round.

“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.

Quan Horn. Photo: Morgan Piek

“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.”

Saturday’s Nations Championship Test between the Springboks and Scotland at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 17:40.

Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter

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

Scotland  TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg