Scotland v South Africa - Autumn International Test
Scotland supremo Andy Robinson is expecting a typically tough physical encounter when Scotland take on South Africa.
Last Updated: 17/11/12 12:48pm
Although ultimately well beaten, there were some positives for Robinson and his men in the 51-22 defeat to New Zealand last Sunday - particularly the brace of tries for impressive wing Tim Visser.
The Scotland coach does not foresee things getting any easier when the Springboks roll into town this weekend, but insists his men are ready to fight fire with fire.
"We know we're in for a bruising battle against South Africa this weekend and we will be primed for that physical confrontation," he stated.
Robinson has made two changes to his starting line-up for the showdown in Edinburgh, restoring Euan Murray to the front row after he sat out the All Blacks loss for religious reasons and bringing in David Denton at No.8.
"I was pleased with Euan's contribution both at scrummage and in open play during the summer tour, while David Denton's aggressive carrying is something that really gets the crowd going," said Robinson of his selections.
Two changes for Springboks
South Africa also make two changes to their starting XV following their hard-fought 16-12 triumph over Ireland in Dublin.
France-based prop Gurthro Steenkamp comes in to replace CJ van der Linde to mark his first game for the Springboks in over a year, while Juan de Jongh plays instead of Jaco Taute at outside centre.
"It's great to have Gurthro back," said South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer. "Gurthro is experienced, knows the conditions well and is looking forward to returning to the green and gold.
"Juan is in a similar position. Even though he's played in a number of Tests for us this year, he's not started for the Boks since last year's away leg of the Tri-Nations against New Zealand in Wellington."
South Africa: Kirchner, Pietersen, De Jongh, De Villiers (captain), Hougaard, Lambie, Pienaar; Vermeulen, Alberts, Louw, Kruger, Etzebeth, du Plessis, Strauss, Steenkamp
Replacements: Brits, Van der Merwe, Van der Linde, van der Merwe, Coetzee, Steyn, Taute, Mvovo
Scotland: Hogg, S Lamont, De Luca, Scott, Visser, Laidlaw, Blair; Grant, Ford, Murray, Gray, Hamilton, Strokosch, Brow, Denton
Replacements: Hall, Traynor, Cross, Kellock, Barclay, Pyrgos, Jackson, Murchie
