Scotland toyed with 7-1 bench idea against Boks

Scotland toyed with a Rassie-esque seven-one bench to take on the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, but ultimately decided against it, with coach Gregor Townsend saying he was “disappointed” in himself for not going the route.

With both sides relishing the opportunity to do battle in round two of the Nations’ Championship, Townsend knew the altitude will be a factor in the last 20 minutes of the game and toyed with the idea of having seven forwards and just one back on the bench for that last period, but then decided against it.

The Boks were the first team in world rugby to try the seven-one split and used it against Scotland in their World Cup match in France.

Townsend said that he had picked a pack of forwards to take on the Boks physically and expected them to do just that.

“I think the bench is going to have a big impact,” said Townsend. “We feel that the bench is going to bring energy. It's two physical back-line players, but it's more [about] the six forwards. We know that the forwards are going to be the ones that are really going to be tested this week against the best pack in world rugby, the best team in world rugby right now.

“I'm a bit disappointed in myself that we didn't go seven-one. We discussed a lot during the week. I'd been pre-empting the discussion with the coaches over the last month, and in the end we went for six-two, so it's traditional for us.”

Scotland added Magnus Bradbury - a player well known to South African URC teams and Bath forward Josh Bayliss in their six-two split they ultimately decided on. The Springboks selected a six-two bench for the game.

Townsend added the Scots were ready for the physical challenge that the Boks brought to this game, and believed they have the game-plan to counter whatever the Green and Gold bring to Loftus Versfeld.

Sitting down for the documentary on this week’s team announcement 🇿🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿#AsOne pic.twitter.com/WCagApNlfL — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) July 9, 2026

“We're definitely going to be up against it physically and we're going to relish those challenges,” he explained.

“You know what's happening when you play the Boks. They're going to be really physical in their defence. They're going to come at you. It is a unique defence, line speed and forcing you back inside. There's going to be a challenge around the set-piece, the scrum and the maul.

“Also, when they carry the ball, they've got a real mix to their game. They've got innovation, they've got superb athletes, but their A game is coming around the corner and carrying hard at you. So, there's going to be times in the game where they get the upper hand.

“I would hope that there'll be times in the game when we've caused them problems. So, yes, it's about building on those and making sure that when the momentum is in the favour of South Africa, we can wrestle it back quickly.”

The game is a mouth-watering prospect as many Springbok fringe players get the opportunity to stake claims ahead of the international season and ultimately a spot in the World Cup selection next year.