Scotland Names Tom Jordan at Full-Back for Autumn Clash with South Africa
Scotland will start Tom Jordan at full-back for their Autumn Nations Series match against South Africa. Key players Finn Russell, Blair Kinghorn, and Ben White return, but Darcy Graham is out due to concussion. South Africa made 11 changes since their last match, with Eben Etzebeth as captain. Head coach Gregor Townsend highlights the challenge posed by the Springboks.
Scotland has named Tom Jordan to make his first start at full-back in the encounter against the formidable South African team at Murrayfield Stadium on Sunday. This match is part of the Autumn Nations Series. The return of key players such as Finn Russell, Blair Kinghorn, and scrum-half Ben White bolsters the Scottish side, following their significant victory against Fiji last weekend. Jordan, primarily a fly-half for the Glasgow Warriors, demonstrated his capabilities in the last match and will retain his position at full-back. With Darcy Graham sidelined due to a concussion, Kinghorn has been shifted to the wing to fill the gap. Additionally, both Ali Price and Adam Hastings have been omitted from the lineup, leaving Jamie Dobie as the reserve scrum-half. South Africa, led by captain Eben Etzebeth, enters this match after making substantial changes to the squad that faced Argentina in September, implementing 11 changes. Noteworthy is the return of locks Franco Mostert and RG Snyman from injury, while Kwagga Smith celebrates his 50th cap. Scotland’s previous encounter with South Africa ended in a difficult 18-3 defeat, marking the Springboks’ successful World Cup defense. Head coach Gregor Townsend has acknowledged the challenge posed by the world champions, stating, “It is the biggest challenge in world rugby right now” and emphasizing their strength and tactical versatility.
The match between Scotland and South Africa marks a crucial fixture in the Autumn Nations Series, a renowned international rugby tournament. Historically, Scotland has struggled against South Africa, having secured only five victories in their 29 meetings. This would be Jordan’s initial start for Scotland, underlining the increased expectations for this match against a highly ranked opponent, especially following a convincing win against Fiji. The match also illustrates the depth of talent on both sides, with Scotland seeking to establish a more competitive performance against a team that has shown dominance in international rugby.
In summary, Scotland is set to face a significant challenge as they take on South Africa at Murrayfield Stadium. The selection of Tom Jordan as a starting full-back highlights the team’s strategy to utilize his skills, while the return of experienced players enhances their competitive edge. As they confront the double world champions, Scotland aims to improve upon their historical record and produce a commendable performance.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
