Erasmus makes 10 changes as injury-hit Springboks face Scotland at Loftus Versfeld

Rassie Erasmus has named a heavily rotated Springboks side for the Nations Championship fixture against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld, making 10 changes to the starting XV that dismantled England 45-21 seven days ago.

Only five players retain their places from that victory: Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers and Ruan Nortje. Du Toit continues as captain after stepping up when Siya Kolisi withdrew late last week, while Willemse starts having celebrated his 50th Test cap against England. De Villiers keeps his spot after making his debut off the bench in that match.

In the backline, Aphelele Fassi starts at fullback with Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie — promoted from the replacements — on the wings. Kriel continues in midfield, now paired with Willemse, as Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier form the halfback partnership.

Up front, Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw form an entirely new front row. Cobus Wiese joins Nortje in the second row, while De Villiers lines up alongside Du Toit and Evan Roos in the back row.

Erasmus has again opted for a six-two bench split, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zach Porthen covering the front row. Ben-Jason Dixon, Vincent Tshituka and Elrigh Louw complete the forward reserves, with Grant Williams and Quan Horn providing backline cover.

The scale of the rotation is partly forced. Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker are all unavailable through injury.

“We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team,” Erasmus said. “We told the players from the outset that we would give as many of them a chance as possible to play this season, while we are also trying to manage some players.”

Erasmus was measured in his assessment of the opposition, noting that Scotland arrive in form after a strong Six Nations campaign and a victory away to Argentina. “They are a quality team who will test us in all areas of the game, and they are well coached, so they will throw everything they have at us,” he said. “Matches against them are always tough.”

He also pointed to the familiarity many of the selected players have with Loftus Versfeld and with each other, having represented both the Springboks and their provincial sides together during the season.