Rugby World Cup Pool B: Scots in Springbok showdown, Samoa play Japan

Scotland are sitting pretty at the top of Rugby World Cup Pool B, but have never beaten heavyweights South Africa outside their native land.

That stat explains why Vern Cotter’s crew are 7/2 to top the group, and the Springboks firm odds-on 1/6 favourites despite their giant-killing by Japan, who also play Samoa (15/8 to advance from the pool) on Saturday.

South Africa v Scotland
Punters also see South Africa start as 1/6 for victory at St James’ Park, which as close as the Scots can be to home soil during this tournament. Newcastle will be overrun with southern invaders, and not for the first time either.

At 5/1 to spring a shock on the Springboks, Scotland have made 10 changes to their XV following a scare but eventually comfortable victory against the USA. Finn Russell is a huge miss for Cotter at fly half, but captain Greig Laidlaw comes back in after being used from the bench last time out following profligate kicking.

Duncan Weir is in for Russell, but a big price at 40/1 to repeat scoring the last try. Henry Pyrgos is dropped completely by Cotter, who hand starts to back row Blair Cowan, prop Gordon Reid and centre Richie Vernon.

Full back Stuart Hogg is now the only ever-present in Scottish ranks, and 4/1 to get a try anytime. Winger Tim Visser crossed last time out against the USA, however, so he features in an enhanced matchday special at 7/2 to do so again (max stake £20).

South African-born duo WP Nel and Josh Strauss may be able to give Scotland some insight into the Springbok mentality, with Cotter’s opposite number Heyneke Meyer making just three changes to his XV but also altering line-out calls.