St James’ Park, Newcastle, kick-off 4.45pm. Live on ITV.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
If Scotland win this Pool B game with a bonus point, they are definitely through to the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup. Any kind of win could also be enough, depending on the outcome of the 2.30pm game between Japan and Samoa. A loss for South Africa will be a serious blow to their hopes of advancing from the pool.
GROUNDS FOR OPTIMISM
Scotland have lasted the pace well in their first two matches and go into this game with their confidence high. Several players are fresh after sitting out those games, and will be eager to make an impact today.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
The loss of Finn Russell and John Hardie has deprived the team of two of its most influential players, while the decision to rest Mark Bennett means Scotland will be without the man most likely to break through the Springboks midfield. In all, the team selected by Vern Cotter is lacking in six or seven men who would normally be first picks.
South Africa, by contrast, have fielded a very strong side. They appear to have got the shock defeat by Japan out of their system, and are desperate to reassert themselves by claiming a victory that would take them to the top of the pool.
KEY CONTEST
The Gray brothers versus Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth. The lineout drive is one of South Africa’s big weapons, and defending against it has been one of Scotland’s weaknesses this year. Richie and Jonny Gray will have their hands full against a young partnership that should mature into the best second-row combination in world rugby.
TACTICAL BATTLE
South Africa look set to favour sheer brute force over tactical subtlety. Scotland will therefore have to hold their own in the physical battle before trying to move their slower opponents round the park to tire them out.
PREDICTION
South Africa 29 Scotland 17
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