Mike Blair is ruled out after suffering concussion while skippering his side during the 49-3 defeat to New Zealand, while Nikki Walker will make his first start since 2008 after replacing Rory Lamont on the wing.

Edinburgh lock Scott MacLeod will also start while Kelly Brown moves to No.8 to make room for flaner Nathan Hines – who scored a try against the Springboks on their last visit to Murrayfield two years ago.

Chris Paterson also returns to the Scotland 22 for the first time since winning his 100th cap against Wales in last year’s Six Nations.

And after being mauled by the All Blacks, Scotland coach Andy Robinson admits his side owe the fans a performance this weekend.

“We have to show to Scotland’s supporters this weekend that we are ready to face up to the intensely physical challenge that the South Africans always present,” said Robinson.

“The players are pledged to deliver a much-improved performance this weekend and I believe they can restore pride in the Scotland jersey.”
 

15 Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais)
14 Nikki Walker (Ospreys)
13 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)
11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets)
10 Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues)
9 Rory Lawson (Gloucester)
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
3 Euan Murray (Northampton Saints)
4 Scott MacLeod (Edinburgh)
5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Nathan Hines (Leinster)
8 Kelly Brown (Saracens)
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)
Substitutes
16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors)
18 Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors)
19 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh)
20 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh)
21 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)
22 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh)