Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier will finally get his chance to prove to South Africa that he is worthy of wearing the national team’s No.9 jumper.
Papier was named in coach Rassie Erasmus’ starting XV for Saturday’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield for the first time in his Test career in a team that boasts four changes to the one that beat France 29-26 last week.
A nippy scrumhalf, Papier will have his work cut out against experienced Scotland No.9 and captain Greig Laidlaw.
And how he executes his tactical kicking game against one of the best exponents of the art in the game, will be under the microscope on Saturday.
Another young Bok that will look to impress is Papier’s Bulls teammate RG Snyman.
The lock earns his fourth start for the Springboks after Eben Etzebeth failed to recover from his foot injury in time for the clash.
ANGER TEST: Bok RG Snyman. Photo: EPA/NIC BOTHMA
And with former SA Rugby Player of the Year Lood de Jager on the bench, Snyman will know that he has to put in a big shift if he wants to be part of the matchday squad at next year’s World Cup.
A robust second-rower, Snyman will have to keep his temperament in check, while at the same time performing the enforcer role if he wants to make a big impact.
South Africa's team:
15 Willie le Roux, 14 S’bu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Substitutes:
16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Cheslin Kolbe