The Bulls star has been the standout South African scrumhalf during the recent United Rugby Championship and was widely tipped to earn more game time in the green-and-gold this season as the Springboks start building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Papier has been named in the starting XV for Saturday’s Test against the Scots on his home turf at Loftus Versfeld, where he will form an exciting halfback combination with his Bulls teammate and two-time Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf Handré Pollard.

Embrose Papier against Scotland in 2018. Photo: SA Rugby

The pair know each other well from their time together in Pretoria, and the Bok coaching staff will be hoping their established understanding can provide the platform needed against a physical Scottish outfit.

Papier made his Springbok debut back in 2018 when South Africa faced Wales in Washington D.C. in the USA, but since then he has played in only six further Tests. His last appearance in the green-and-gold also came against Wales, later that same year in Cardiff.

Remarkably, it will be a staggering 2 787 days between Tests by the time Papier runs out against Scotland on Saturday.

Last week, Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse reached their 50-Test milestones for the Springboks, and while both also made their debuts in 2018, their journeys have looked very different. For Papier, Saturday represents a long-awaited second chapter and an opportunity to remind everyone of his quality on the international stage.

The in-form scrumhalf said there are definitely nerves heading into the Test, but ultimately he is excited to get stuck in again and to partner the vastly experienced Pollard.

“I think there are always nerves before a Test match, but yeah, I’m super excited for the opportunity, and we’re just looking forward to the game,” said Papier.

Grant Williams is on the bench after starting against England. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think that’s a long time ago, I can’t really remember, but now it’s great working under the coaches.

“I’m learning a lot every day and I’ve missed a lot of guys, familiar faces, so it’s just great to be in the environment and to learn from the guys.

“We all know Handré has a lot of experience. We’ve spent a lot of time together on the pitch, and I’m just excited to go into this game with him, but we know it’s going to be a challenge for us.

“It’s different calling in the Springbok environment, but we just need to pitch up on the day and give our all.”

Handré Pollard starts at flyhalf. Photo: Morgan Piek

Papier said while he is delighted to be back in the Bok setup, the focus remains on working hard, embracing the opportunity and contributing to the team.

“It’s exciting to be back, but I still need to grow and work hard to earn my place here.

“It’s all about putting the team first, and if you play, you have to prep the guys really well, and if it’s your time, it’s just to give your all.”

Saturday’s Nations Championship Test 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