South Africa host Scotland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, with the Springboks chasing a tenth consecutive Test win and Scotland looking to build on their stunning seven-try demolition of Argentina in Round 1.
South Africa v Scotland (17:40 SAST)
South Africa scored seven tries in their 45-21 dismantling of England at Ellis Park to open their Nations Championship campaign, racing into a 17-0 lead inside 12 minutes before England fought back to within three points at half-time. The Springboks reasserted control in the second half and won with something to spare.
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Their nine-match winning streak has included victories over the All Blacks, Ireland and France, and Erasmus has shown how deep the squad runs by making ten changes for this fixture. A new front row of Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw is named, with Cobus Wiese and Evan Roos joining them among the forwards.
In the backs, Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard form a new half-back pairing, with Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie across the back three. Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Ox Nche all remain unavailable through injury.
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Scotland arrive in Pretoria buoyed by their 47-38 win over Argentina in Cordoba, a result that lifted them from seventh to fifth in the World Rugby rankings. Finn Russell returns at fly-half after missing Round 1 with a calf injury, with Zander Fagerson and Gregor Brown also promoted from the bench.
Scotland have also opted for a 6-2 bench split, mirroring South Africa’s preferred approach to the reserve forwards. Townsend knows his side must avoid the suffocating physical confrontation the Springboks thrive on, and Russell’s ability to move the ball quickly and attack the wider channels will be central to any hope of an upset.
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The Springboks have won all seven previous Tests against Scotland on home soil, and have not lost a home Test in 13 of their last 14 outings.
The last meeting between these sides was at Murrayfield in November 2024, which South Africa won 32-15. Saturday is also the first time the two countries have met at Loftus Versfeld.
Pick: South Africa (-9.5) @1.36
Secondary pick: Over 56.5 total points @1.46
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
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