Three changes to Scotland starting line-up for South Africa test
- 413
Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s meeting with South Africa in Pretoria, as his side prepare for a first clash with the double world champions on South African soil since 2014.
The alterations see Finn Russell named to start at fly-half after his recovery from a calf injury, whilst Zander Fagerson and Gregor Brown are promoted to the starting XV after coming off the bench in last weekend’s victory over Argentina.
Fagerson lines up at tighthead after a tour-ending injury to Elliot Millar Mills in Cordoba last Saturday, joining Pierre Schoeman – a try-scorer on his 50th cap for Scotland last time out – and Ewan Ashman in the front row.
Scott Cummings continues in the second row after also touching down for a try on his 50th cap, with Brown coming into the lineup after crossing for his first score in Scotland colours last weekend.
The back row is unchanged, meaning Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge – the latter having led the team with 24 tackles against Los Pumas – line up either side of Jack Dempsey to form the loose forward trio.
Ben White partners Russell in the half-backs, the scrum-half having been pivotal in controlling proceedings in Cordoba last Saturday.
Rory Hutchinson retains his place at outside centre after an impressive, try-scoring performance in the number 13 jersey last weekend, once again forming a midfield partnership with captain Sione Tuipulotu ahead of the clash at Loftus Versfeld.
An all-Glasgow Warriors back-three sees Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie selected on the wings, as Kyle Rowe rounds out the starting XV by lining up at full-back.
A six-two split of forwards and backs on the replacements bench sees Rory Sutherland in line to win his 50th cap for Scotland should he come onto the field this weekend, the loose-head prop set to reach the milestone in the country in which he toured as a British & Irish Lion in 2021.
Gregor Hiddleston is retained amongst the replacements after a memorable debut in last weekend’s victory over Argentina, with Alex Samuel also retained from last weekend’s cohort of replacements.
Tom Jordan rotates to the bench after starting last time out, whilst Will Hurd, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury and Stafford McDowall are all set for their first appearances of the 2026 Nations Championship after being named in the matchday 23.
Scotland team to face South Africa in the 2026 Nations Championship at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday 11 July 2026, kick-off 4.40pm BST – live on ITV and STV (caps in brackets):
15. Kyle Rowe – Glasgow Warriors (18)
14. Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors (34) – Vice Captain
13. Rory Hutchinson – Northampton Saints (12)
12. Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors (39) – Captain
11. Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors (20)
10. Finn Russell – Bath (94)
9. Ben White – Toulon (37)
1. Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby (50)
2. Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby (36)
3. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (82)
4. Gregor Brown – Glasgow Warriors (17)
5. Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors (50)
6. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (65)
7. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors (40) – Vice Captain
8. Jack Dempsey – Toshiba Brave Lupus (34)
Replacements
16. Gregor Hiddleston – Glasgow Warriors (1)
17. Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors (49)
18. Will Hurd – Leicester Tigers (10)
19. Alex Samuel – Glasgow Warriors (4)
20. Josh Bayliss – Bath (16)
21. Magnus Bradbury – Edinburgh Rugby (22)
22. Tom Jordan – Bristol Bears (18)
23. Stafford McDowall – Glasgow Warriors (16)
