Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Test Rugby
Nations Championship
International Rugby Union
South Africa vs Scotland
Loftus Versfeld
Pretoria, South Africa
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Kick-off is at 17:40
With test rugby now in full swing, the Springboks will hope to maintain their winning momentum when they take on Scotland in the Nations Championship at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to his starting XV from last Saturday’s 45-21 win over England, while 10 players retained their place in the Match 23 for this weekend’s challenge.
Among the retained player’s list, Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers, and Ruan Nortje remained in the starting XV, while Canan Moodie got the nod as well.
Elsewhere, Aphelele Fassi and Edwill van der Merwe joined the roster of backline players, while Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier will come in as the half-back pairing.
Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker are unavailable for the clash owing to injury.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Reflecting on the upcoming game and his selection policy, Erasmus reiterated that his coaching team is set on rotating the team for the 2026 season.
Erasmus also suggested that Scotland are no pushovers, given their showing in the last Six Nations showpiece.
“We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team,” Erasmus said.
“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.
“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.”
Springboks team: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Canan Moodie; Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier; Evan Roos, Pieter-Steph du Toit (c), Paul de Villiers, Ruan Nortje, Cobus Wiese, Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, Boan Venter.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zach Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon, Vincent Tshituka, Elrigh Louw, Grant Williams, Quan Horn.
International Rugby Union fixture:
Saturday, 11 July
17:40: Springboks vs Scotland
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