Scotland recall Murray for Springbok clash

AFP
Euan Murray (left) missed Scotland's 51-22 defeat by world champions New Zealand on Sunday for religious reasons

EDINBURGH (AFP) –

Euan Murray, pictured (left) tackling England‘s Ben Youngs in last year’s World Cup, has been recalled as one of two changes in the Scotland side to play South Africa in the one-off international at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Tighthead prop Euan Murray has been recalled as one of two changes in the Scotland side to play South Africa in the one-off international at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Murray, who missed Sunday’s 51-22 defeat by world champions New Zealand for religious reasons, replaced Geoff Cross in the starting XV announced Wednesday by Scotland coach Andy Robinson.

The other change was injury-enforced with David Denton, who on Sunday came off the bench for Ross Rennie (dislocated shoulder), starting at No 8 and with Scotland captain Kelly Brown moving across to openside flanker.

Last weekend Scotland, although well beaten in the end, became the first side to score three tries in a Test against the All Blacks this year.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, who announced his team earlier Wednesday, also made two changes.

Gurthro Steenkamp replaced CJ van der Linde at loosehead prop after the latter took over as a late stand-in for Tendai Mtawarira, who has since returned home following the heart problems that saw him miss the 16-12 win over Ireland in Dublin last weekend.

In the backs, Juan de Jongh replaced Jaco Taute at outside centre.

Scotland beat South Africa the last time they met the Springboks, winning 21-17 at Murrayfield two years ago

Scotland (15-1)

Stuart Hogg; Sean Lamont, Nick de Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser; Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair; David Denton, Kelly Brown (capt), Alasdair Strokosch; Jim Hamilton, Richie Gray; Euan Murray, Ross Ford, Ryan Grant

Replacements: Dougie Hall, Kyle Traynor, Geoff Cross, Alastair Kellock, John Barclay, Henry Pyrgos, Ruaridh Jackson, Peter Murchie