Sometimes picking a Test match XV and replacements is straightforward but that is never the case when it comes to facing the Springboks, especially in South Africa.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend will need to make some big calls while balancing picking the team he wants to play in his way against choosing a side to match up physically to their opponents. The most important call will be in the pack - who starts and who comes on as a replacement which is equally as important in modern international rugby.
Meanwhile, in the backs, the return of Finn Russell also poses some questions after so many performed well in Argentina last time out. Here is our predicted starting XV for this Saturday’s Nations Championship match against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld:
5. Scott Cummings
A try on his 50th cap last time out for the Glasgow lock who is firmly established as the first choice in the engine room for Scotland | SNS Group / SRU
6. Matt Fagerson
Going by the 'biggest and heaviest' rule then Magnus Bradbury would perhaps be a shout at 6 over Fagerson but the Glasgow man hasn't put a foot wrong in a Scotland jersey of late so dropping him from the team would be harsh and it's not as if he's "small" by flanker standards anyway | SNS Group / SRU
7. Rory Darge
Wasn't able to have his usual impact at the breakdown in Cordoba with refereeing decisions going against the Scots but he will almost certainly be a important part of Scotland's defence to try and break-up the Boks momentum | SNS Group / SRU
8. Jack Dempsey
Scotland will need the former Wallaby at his snarling, combative best to go toe-to-toe with a formidable South African back row | SNS Group / SRU