Published 3 days ago • loading... • Updated 3 days ago
Erasmus Defends Risky Springboks Shakeup After a Tense Win over Scotland
Pieter-Steph du Toit leads a side with 445 combined Test caps as South Africa seeks a 10th straight win over Scotland.
The Springboks hosted Scotland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in a Nations Championship Test match.
Coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to the starting line-up following injuries to players including Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, aiming to build squad depth and provide experience.
The starting XV features 445 total Test caps, with the backline averaging 39 caps per player and the forwards averaging 21 caps.
Erasmus said the team must learn through difficult matches, noting "the crowd believing in the team and the team believing in South Africa" reflects broader understanding of the experimental strategy.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, leading the Boks, requires four more Test appearances to reach his 100th Test, as South Africa pursues a 10th consecutive victory against Scotland.