Scotland make changes as Finn Russell returns for South Africa match - starting XV and replacements

The Bath stand-off missed his side’s opening game of the new tournament against Argentina last weekend as he was still recovering from a calf problem but returns at Loftus Versfeld in place of Tom Jordan who drops to the bench.

Russell’s inclusion is one of three changes head coach Gregor Townsend has made to his starting XV for what has already been described as “the toughest test in world rugby” by captain Sione Tuipulotu.

The Springboks are in irresistible form, beating England 45-21 at Ellis Park last Saturday. This weekend’s game is at Loftus Versfeld, 1750 metres above sea level, and Scotland will have to overcome the altitude as well as the back to back world champions. But Scotland are in good form too, kicking off their Nations Championship campaign with a highly impressive 47-38 victory against Argentina in Cordoba.

The other two changes made by Townsend are in the pack. As expected, Zander Fagerson comes into the starting side at tighthead prop following the injury to Elliot Millar Mills which ended his campaign. Millar Mills had to go off after 13 minutes of the win over Argentina after hurting his calf.

There is also a start for Gregor Brown who impressed off the bench against the Pumas. He takes the place of Jonny Gray who drops out of the matchday 23.

There are a raft of changes on the bench as Townsend opts for a six-two split of forwards and back against the hugely physical Boks. Will Hurd steps up as the replacement tighthead and Josh Bayliss and Magnus Bradbury are also included to provide more reserve firepower.

The two backs on the bench are Jordan and Stafford McDowall. Dropping out are George Horne, Fergus Burke and Darcy Graham.

Scotland: 15 Kyle Rowe; 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt), 11 Jamie Dobie; 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21, Magnus Bradbury, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.