Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes for Saturday’s Test against South Africa at Murrayfield.
He has announced four alterations to the team which beat Ireland 31-21 on August 11, with prop Gavin Kerr, back-row forwards Kelly Brown and Dave Callam and winger Nikki Walker coming in for Allan Jacobsen, Allister Hogg, Simon Taylor and Sean Lamont.
Chris Paterson continues at stand-off, with Hadden keen to see how he copes against the second favourites for the World Cup.
There had been suggestions Hadden would promote more of the World Cup squad who played no part or little part in the Ireland clash.
However, he has kept faith with the bulk of the players who make up his first-choice XV, ahead of the September 9 clash with Portugal in Saint-Etienne which marks the start of Scotland’s World Cup campaign.
“With our first World Cup game 19 days away, Saturday is a massive challenge for us,” Hadden said.
“As ever the selection is about identifying a team that can win.
“In this case it’s also about striking a balance between giving as many players in the squad game time and looking for continuity after our victory earlier this month against Ireland.”
Hadden confirmed Taylor was being given the weekend off to recover from a facial injury, while Scott Lawson and Chris Cusiter were ruled out by ankle injuries.
Hadden said: “Simon Taylor could have played this weekend but we’ve decided in light of the very deep gash to his face that he sustained against Ireland that it will do him no harm to rest.”
