Rassie Erasmus prioritising squad growth over short-term results

Instead, Erasmus has remained committed to his season-long plan of exposing as many players as possible to Test rugby as he builds squad depth ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup. 

The Bok coach has made 10 changes to the starting line-up and says the rotation strategy is part of the bigger picture.

"That didn't play a part at all. If we played the first match, Italy in the second match, England – I mean, this team was not picked for specific reasons surrounding Scotland. It was for us to make sure that when we go into the World Cup next year, we know who can do what, when, and how, under pressure or not," said Erasmus

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"So some combinations were picked with that in mind, and then Argentina, us, New Zealand, and Australia are probably in the same boat. I think that's what happened to Argentina."

"Scotland played really well – I thought they are obviously a good team. They beat England in the Six Nations. I mean, if you just look at those results, this match will be tougher than last week's if you want to compare it like that."

While acknowledging Scotland’s strong display in Córdoba, Erasmus believes every Test presents different challenges.

He insists his selection approach would have remained exactly the same regardless of the opposition or Scotland’s result against Argentina. 

Although the Springboks will field a less experienced starting XV than some of the combinations available to him, Erasmus is confident the selected players are ready for the challenge. 

The Springboks have paired Bulls teammates Embrose Papier and Handré Pollard at scrumhalf and flyhalf for Saturday’s encounter. 

Erasmus believes their established combination and recent experience together at franchise level, including high-pressure United Rugby Championship matches, should provide valuable continuity and help settle the team against Scotland.

Lock Eben Etzebeth remains unavailable after sustaining a concussion during training before last week’s victory over England. 

Erasmus says the priority is ensuring Etzebeth is fully recovered before returning, while Siya Kolisi is also expected to be available again next week.

Kick-off between South Africa and Scotland is at 17h40 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.