Russell returns for Scotland in South Africa
Finn Russell is fit to start for Scotland against South Africa in the second round of the Nations Championship after recovering from a calf injury.

Scotland's star fly-half Finn Russell has recovered from a calf problem and will be fit to start against South Africa in the second round of the Nations Championship. The 33-year-old missed last weekend's 47-38 win over Argentina due to the injury and replaces Tom Jordan in the starting XV. The match will take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Two further changes see tighthead prop Zander Fagerson and lock Gregor Brown promoted to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in Cordoba, replacing the injured Elliot Millar Mills and Jonny Gray. Will Hurd, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury and Stafford McDowall have been added to the bench, while winger Darcy Graham drops out. This is Scotland's first visit to South Africa since 2014.
The replacements also include hooker Gregor Hiddleston, who made a try-scoring debut against Argentina, and prop Rory Sutherland, who is in line to earn his 50th cap. South Africa opened their campaign with a dominant 45-21 victory over England in Johannesburg. The world champions have made 10 changes, resting Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
/nginx/o/2026/07/09/17771951t1h20db.jpg)
