Rookie tipped to make most of his golden opportunity

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi expects rookie scrum-half Embrose Papier to make the most of his big opportunity against Scotland at Murrayfield today.

The 21-year-old will make his first start for the Springboks in place of Faf de Klerk, who has been released back to his English club Sale.

“He will have some very cool and experienced heads around him, such as Duane Vermeulen at number eight and Handre Pollard at fly-half,” said Kolisi at a press conference in Edinburgh yesterday.

“I think he has done really well for us when he came on off the bench – he is a different kind of player, a running nine and I am looking forward to see what he can do.”

After finishing strongly in each of the previous Tests on tour against England and France, Kolisi has called for an 80-minute effort against a Scotland side boasting 10 wins from their last 11 home matches.

The skipper says the presence of head of athletic performance Aled Walters, who held a similar role with Munster, will help the cause of the Springboks.

“The coaching team, and especially Aled, prepare us well, and coach Rassie (Erasmus) wants to make sure that we are physically and mentally ready for the game he wants us to play,” said Kolisi.

“And his knowledge of coaching up here in the northern hemisphere also helps a lot.

“We want to improve in every match but the ultimate goal is to do what we are really capable of over 80 minutes.

“I know it will come and we will be pushing for it this week.”

Scotland have won only one of their previous 13 meetings with South Africa.