Blair was left out of the Test 22 for the opening encounter with the Springboks on Saturday with Mike Phillips starting the game and Harry Ellis his back-up on the bench.

Scotland lock Nathan Hines also surprisingly missed out on the 22 as did hooker Ross Ford, who has struggled with his line-out throwing.

Prop Euan Murray, a very strong contender for the 22, was ruled out of the first Test with the ankle injury he picked up against the Southern Kings on Tuesday.

Blair said: "I think the players not selected have a big role to play before the Test. We have to accept our disappointment at not making the side and encourage the boys who have been selected.

"We have to keep our intensity up in training and do everything we can to help the squad win the first Test."