Papier’s first start as Rassie names Springbok side

Embrose Papier will start his first ever test this weekend against Scotland as one of three changes to the starting XV that beat France last weekend.

Having played very little international rugby, with only limited game time off the bench, Papier earns his much anticipated start in Faf De Klerk’s absence, who is unavailable for the test.

Erasmus spoke highly of Papier’s attacking prowess and X-Factor earlier in the year and the rugby public are eager to see him in action.

Duane Vermeulen moves back to the back of the scrum as Warren Whiteley misses out with a calf injury. Pieter-Steph Du Toit then fills the berth at blindside flank and RG Snyman starts alongside Franco Mostert in the locks in the absence of Eben Etzebeth who is still recovering from a foot injury suffered in the first test against England.

South Africa have a 75% win ratio against Scotland at Murrayfield (12/16) however the Scots recent run of form sees them having lost only once in the last nine tests at home in the last two seasons under coach Gregor Townsend.

South Africa

15 Willie le Roux, 14 S’bu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Cheslin Kolbe