Pollard tipped to start

Handré Pollard could make his first start for the Springboks against Scotland in PE on Saturday.

The IRB Junior Player of the Year looks likely to continue his meteoric rise as Johan Goosen continues to struggle with the knee injury he suffered in the first Test against Wales at Kings Park.

Goosen took part in full training on Monday, but was restricted to a few running drills on Tuesday, as Pollard ran the flyhalf channel in his absence.

Pollard's inclusion is likely to be one of several changes to the side to face Scotland after a number of withdrawals through injury and ineligibility.

Following Saru president Oregan Hoskins' call this week for more black players in the team, Lwazi Mvovo should start on the wing, with Siya Kolisi, Teboho Mohoje and S'bura Sithole all likely to feature at some point.

Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan says he is excited over the possibility of seeing a number of new faces in the green and gold for Saturday's match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

'We are looking forward to a magnificent game. I can't wait to see some of the guys perform,' said van Graan. 'There's a lot of excitement in the squad. You can feel it at training. Whoever the coach selects, I can't wait to see them play on Saturday.'

Van Graan also had no doubt about the ability of the incumbents to perform at the highest level.

'When you pull that Springbok jersey over your head, you're the best player in your country at that moment,' he said.

Scotland are set to field an inexperienced side of their own after a number of players were ruled out due to the Test falling outside of the IRB international window.

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