Scotland vs South Africa

Scotland player Finn Russell kicks the winning points during the Autumn Nations Series at Murrayfield Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images

November Rugby International: Scotland vs South Africa – preview

South Africa’s Springboks face Scotland on the hallowed turf of Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday 13 November 2021.

Scotland vs South Africa

Scotland player Finn Russell kicks the winning points during the Autumn Nations Series at Murrayfield Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images

South Africa’s Springboks face Scotland on the hallowed turf of Murrayfield on Saturday 13 November 2021.

Scotland vs South Africa – preview

The Springboks have won their last six Tests against Scotland, and the last three played at Murrayfield. The two nations have contested 27 Tests with only five won by the Scots.

That record doesn’t tell the story of a Scotland team that has steadily improved under the direction of Gregor Townsend, and is bolstered by South African beef.

Scotland caught Eddie Jones’ England with their pants down earlier this year, playing high-intensity rugby right from the get-go.

In the URC, Scottish teams found the South African franchises struggled against a high tempo game, and the Lions looked like a different team when Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell was allowed to play his game.

The Springboks have opted for the curious halfback pairing of Herschel Jantjies and Elton Jantjies. With Damian Willemse out of contention, Willie Le Roux returns to the starting XV, with Bok fans hoping his time away from the starting XV will lead to a turnaround in performance.

Up front, the Scottish pack is up for an almighty exanimation, but they won’t feel that the massive Bok pack is invincible.

What they said

Scotland coach Townsend is focusing on getting it right up front.

“They have a unique way of playing – it is very demanding physically so a huge effort will be required from the forwards at set-piece, and a huge effort will be required to deal with their kicking game,” he said.

“We know what to expect from them in how they play and the physicality they will bring across the team.

“We have therefore selected a side that we believe can both meet that challenge and give us the platform to impose our game on the opposition.

“It should be a full-blooded contest and will require an intensity and focus across our 23-man squad for the full 80 minutes.”

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber admits that they have to be wary of an adaptable Scottish side.

“When they have all their internationals, it is quality opposition we are facing,” he said. “If you look at their No 9, their No 10 and their No 15, you face British & Irish Lions players,” he said about Ali Price, Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg.

“They have very experienced game drivers. They can rip us apart with their attack or go to a kicking game.

“They kicked 43 times (against England in the Six Nations), which is the most kicks I have seen from them. We will have to be alert to whatever tactics they decide to use against us.”

Teams: Scotland vs South Africa

Scotland: Stuart Hogg (captain), Rufus McLean, Chris Harris, Matt Scott, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell (vice-captain), Ali Price, Matt Fagerson, Jamie Ritchie (vice-captain), Nick Haining, Grant Gilchrist, Sam Skinner, Zander Fagerson, Stuart McInally, Pierre Schoeman. Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Oli Kebble, Jamie Hodgson, Hamish Watson, George Horne, Adam Hastings, Blair Kinghorn.

South Africa: Willie le Roux, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi; Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies; Duane Vermeulen, Kwagga Smith, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Replacements: Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Vincent Koch, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard, Frans Steyn. 

Match Information, TV times, live stream

Date: Saturday 13 November

Venue: Murrayfield

Kick-off: 15:00 SAST

Referee: Angus Garner (Australia)

Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Craig Evans (Wales)

TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)

TV: Supersport

Stream: DStv Now

Scotland vs South Africa: Live scores