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:
13. Rory Hutchinson
A second ball carrier like Stafford McDowall perhaps makes more sense if you want to match up to the Boks but the Northampton man was exceptional against Argentina and surely can't be dropped. When it comes to the backs, Scotland have every right to try and play their way and not let their opponents dictate their selection. | SNS Group / SRU
14. Darcy Graham
Townsend opted to use Scotland's all time leading try scorer from the bench in Cordoba but a strong start could be crucial in Pretoria so bringing the Edinburgh winger into the first 15 makes sense while a 5-3 bench split will afford space for Jamie Dobie | SNS Group / SRU
15. Kyle Rowe
Not just one of Scotland's best players last time out but one of the players of the round in the Nations Championship. Inarguably his best performance in a Scotland shirt and a similar performance this weekend would help give Scotland a real shot at a famous victory | SNS Group / SRU