Finn Russell returns for Scotland against South Africa

Scotland have been handed a major boost ahead of their Nations Championship clash with South Africa, with Finn Russell declared fit to start at fly-half in Pretoria.

Finn Russell Returns For Scotland

Russell missed Scotland’s opening win over Argentina because of a calf injury, but he has recovered in time to face the world champion Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.

His return gives Scotland added control and experience at No.10 as Gregor Townsend’s side prepare for one of the toughest away fixtures in international rugby. Russell will be expected to guide Scotland’s attack and manage territory against a powerful South African pack.

Scotland Make Three Changes For Springboks

Townsend has made three changes to the team that beat Argentina. Zander Fagerson and Gregor Brown have both been promoted into the starting tight five, strengthening Scotland’s forward unit for the physical challenge in Pretoria.

Rory Hutchinson keeps his place at outside centre alongside captain Sione Tuipulotu, while Kyle Rowe continues at full-back. Jamie Dobie starts on the wing but will also provide scrum-half cover, with Scotland opting for a six-two split on the replacements bench.

South Africa Test At Loftus Versfeld

Scotland will face the Boks on South African soil for the first time in 12 years. The fixture comes after Scotland opened their Nations Championship campaign with victory over Argentina.

Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Jamie Dobie, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt.), 13 Rory Hutchinson, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Kyle Rowe.

Reserves: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Magnus Bradbury; 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.