Fly-half Finn Russell is set to return to the Scotland starting lineup for the upcoming Nations Championship match against South Africa in Pretoria. The 33-year-old playmaker missed the recent 47-38 victory over Argentina due to a calf injury but has recovered in time to replace Tom Jordan at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. This appearance will mark his 95th cap for the national team.
Head coach Gregor Townsend has implemented additional adjustments to the squad. Tighthead prop Zander Fagerson and lock Gregor Brown have moved into the starting XV, replacing the injured duo of Elliot Millar Mills and Jonny Gray. The bench features Will Hurd, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, and Stafford McDowall. Darcy Graham is omitted from the squad for this fixture, which represents Scotland’s first match in South Africa since 2014.
Newcomer Gregor Hiddleston retains a spot on the bench following his successful debut in Argentina, while prop Rory Sutherland is poised to reach the milestone of 50 international caps. Opponents South Africa, fresh off a 45-21 win against England, have opted to rest several key players including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
