Despite a relatively conservative team selection, Scotland's coach Gregor Townsend is banking on his bench, known as the 'Bomb Squad', to turn the tide against the Springboks this Saturday. Townsend, who has introduced only three new players to the starting lineup following last week’s victory over Argentina, is relying heavily on the strategic deployment of his reserves in the upcoming Nations Championship game at Loftus.
Finn Russell is set to reclaim his position at fly-half, with Zander Fagerson and Gregor Brown bolstering the pack. The bench will see a 6-2 split, favoring forwards, a decision Townsend believes is critical against the formidable South African pack. "We feel that the bench is going to bring energy. It’s two physical backline players but it’s more about the six forwards," Townsend explained.
"I’m a bit disappointed in myself that we didn’t go 7-1. That was discussed a lot during the week. When else are you going to have a 7-1 when you take on the Boks? They went 7-1 against us. In the end we went for 6-2. So, traditional for us!"
The coach highlighted the expected contributions from players like Josh Bayliss and Magnus Bradbury. Bayliss, known for his speed and ability to outmaneuver opponents, and Bradbury, recognized for his significant physical presence and ball-carrying skills, are poised to be key figures. "With Josh, it’s a different sort of physicality; it’s speed, it’s his ability to beat people one-on-one, work really hard," said Townsend.
"I think we’d only be able to go 7-1 with Josh involved. He has done that role this year for Bath and he’s comfortable. He’ll be our third back this week if we have to go to three changes in the backline. We felt the right mix was the 6-2."
Townsend also commented on the straightforward decision to bring back Russell and Brown. "With Finn available, obviously he’s someone who’s played a lot of games for us and we’d want him back in the team to face such a quality opponent. Likewise with Gregor Brown, I think we’ve seen him at training, how well he’s been performing and we feel it’s right that he’s back in the team," he noted.
The match also marks a significant moment for South African-born Scottish winger Kyle Steyn, who will be playing against the world champions in his homeland for the first time. "We know what he brings to our team, both with his work rate, his skill, his aerial ability and his leadership over the last couple of seasons. It will be a big game for him. He’s got a lot of family in the area that will be at the game," Townsend added.
The importance of this test match is not lost on the team, as none of the 23 players have previously faced the Springboks in South Africa. This encounter, especially against the reigning world champions, is set to be a highlight in their careers.
TEAM: Schoeman starts for Scots as Russell returns.