Nick Mallett believes Saturday’s South Africa vs Scotland Test in Pretoria will put several Springboks under real pressure to impress, with a heavily changed side now being asked to show it deserves a place in next month’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
The Springboks come into the game after last week’s 45-21 win over England in Johannesburg, but Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes for the Scotland Test. That means the focus is not only on beating Scotland, but on which players can strengthen their case for bigger matches to come.
Why the Bulls connection matters
Mallett pointed out that the selection carries a particular weight for Bulls players. He said it has “quite a heavy weight to Bulls players”, with nine Bulls players included and seven of them in the run-on side.
That matters because this is not a routine Test for a settled team. It is a chance for fringe and new combinations to prove they can handle the tempo and physical demands that come with playing for the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.
Mallett also noted that four of the five in the tight five are Bulls players, which adds further pressure to get the set-piece right. In a Test where every detail will be watched closely, those forwards know they are effectively auditioning for more than one match.
Pollard, Papier and Roos all in focus
Among the individuals Mallett highlighted, Handre Pollard stands out. He said it is “a very important game for him in his career”, and that is exactly the kind of pressure that comes with South Africa’s current selection picture.
Embrose Papier was also mentioned by name, with Mallett saying he is another player who needs to make the most of the opportunity. For a changed side, these are the sort of performances that can turn a squad place into a more secure role.
Evan Roos is another player with something to prove. Mallett said the challenge with Roos is to get all of his good points, but the implication is clear: his impact has to be controlled and consistent, not just eye-catching in flashes.
Scotland may force a New Zealand-style test
Mallett expects Scotland to avoid direct set-piece battles and look to move the ball quickly. He said they will try to “pass the ball a lot and play a fast game”, adding that it is the kind of approach South Africa will associate a bit with New Zealand.
That is what makes the match so useful for Erasmus. If the Springboks can cope with pace, width and pressure in Pretoria, then the selectors will learn something important before the All Blacks series begins next month.
So South Africa vs Scotland is about more than one Saturday Test. It is a selection trial, a tactical examination and a chance for several Springboks to show they can handle the next level when the Greatest Rivalry series arrives.
