Russell back as Scotland tackle world champions South Africa / Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN - AFP
Russell back as Scotland tackle world champions South Africa
Star fly-half Finn Russell returns to the Scotland team for a Nations Championship match against world champions South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.
The 33-year-old British and Irish Lion missed a first-round victory over Argentina in Cordoba last weekend due to a calf injury.
Russell replaces Tom Jordan, who is among the eight replacements for the Test at Loftus Versfeld stadium.
Coach Gregor Townsend made two other changes to his starting line-up as Scotland seek to end a nine-match losing streak against the record four-time Rugby World Cup champions.
Both are among the tight five with tighthead prop Zander Fagerson replacing Elliot Millar Mills and lock Gregor Brown promoted in place of Jonny Gray.
Mills and Gray have been omitted from the matchday 23 while Townsend reshuffled his bench as Scotland play in South Africa for the first time since a 55-6 drubbing in Gqeberha 12 years ago.
Forwards Will Hurd, Josh Bayless and Magnus Bradbury have been promoted along with back Stafford McDowall.
There is no specialist scrum-half on the bench so wing Jamie Dobie will cover for starting No. 9 Ben White.
Inside centre Sione Tuipulotu, one of seven Scottish try scorers in Argentina, will captain the team.
Scotland have lost all seven Tests against the Springboks in South Africa. It will be the first time they play in Pretoria, home of the Bulls club.
Team (15-1)
Kyle Rowe; Kyle Steyn, Rory Hutchinson, Sione Tuipulotu (capt), Jamie Dobie; Finn Russell, Ben White; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson; Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown; Zander Fagerson, Ewan Ashman, Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Alex Samuel, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall
Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)
F.Stewart--EWJ
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