Scotland hand New Zealand-born back Tom Jordan a daunting first start against South Africa – with hosts boosted by the return of key personnel for Springboks clash

Tom Jordan has been handed a daunting first start for Scotland against world champions South Africa on Sunday.

The versatile New Zealand-born back, who made his debut as a replacement against Fiji last week after qualifying on residency grounds, starts at full back in place of his injured Glasgow colleague Kyle Rowe.

Head coach Gregor Townsend is also boosted by the return of France-based duo Blair Kinghorn and Ben White, plus Bath fly-half Finn Russell — all of whom were unavailable last weekend as the match took place outside the international window.

Kinghorn, Scotland’s regular full back, will start on the wing in place of Darcy Graham. White and Russell take over from last weekend’s half-back pairing of Ali Price and Adam Hastings.

Former Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie is recalled to the matchday 23 and is among the substitutes. After delaying naming his starting line-up until yesterday, Townsend opted for a 6-2 bench to try to combat the Springboks’ power game.

Head coach Gregor Townsend is also boosted by the return of France-based duo Blair Kinghorn and Ben White, plus Bath fly-half Finn Russell

SCOTLAND: Jordan; Kinghorn, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Van der Merwe; Russell, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Z Fagerson; Gilchrist, Cummings; M Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge.