Finn Russell is set to return to Scotland's starting lineup for their Nations Championship clash against world champions South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday. The Bridge of Allan-born fly-half missed last weekend's 48-37 victory over Argentina in Cordoba due to a calf injury, but has been cleared to face the Springboks, who are on a ten-match winning streak.
Russell's Return Bolsters Scotland
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend confirmed that Russell, a former Wallace High pupil and British and Irish Lions tourist in Australia last year, will anchor the attack. “With Finn available, obviously he’s someone that’s played a lot of games for us, and we’d want him back in the team to face such a quality opponent,” Townsend said. The Scots scored seven tries against Argentina and now face a Springboks side that comfortably beat England in their tournament opener.
Other Changes and Stirling Connections
Lock Gregor Brown also returns to the starting XV after recovering from injury, joining Scott Cummings in the second row. “Both him and Scott Cummings started in the second-row when we played against France [during the Six Nations], but they were both injured and missed that opportunity to play against Ireland,” Townsend added. On the bench, former Stirling Wolves player Gregor Hiddleston, a hooker for Glasgow Warriors, retains his place after scoring against Argentina, while lock Alex Samuel, another Stirling Wolves alumnus, is also among the replacements.
Scotland have climbed to fifth in the world rankings following their win in Argentina. The match kicks off at 4:40pm UK time on Saturday, and will be followed by the final fixture of the Summer Series against Fiji, which has been moved to Murrayfield.
