Stephen Nell

Edinburgh – South Africa are a united team and will not let the controversy over stimulants impact on their form in Saturday’s test against Scotland at Murrayfield.

That is the opinion of Scotland coach Andy Robinson, who surprised by picking veteran lock Nathan Hines on the flank for the game.

Hines (33), who toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions last year, will improve the home team’s lineout and also bring a hard edge to the pack.

“South Africa take route one. The Springboks will look to come over us and through us. They have a very good pack of forwards,” said Robinson.

“It’s difficult when you lose two players (Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson), but it’s clear that the Boks are a united side. Victor Matfield is a quality person and also a fantastic leader. It’s clear that he has a big following in the side. South Africa’s two wins on tour shows that there is unity in the team.”

Robinson admitted that his team is still “shell-shocked” from the weekend’s 3-49 drubbing at the hands of the All Blacks.

“We were taught a few rugby lessons. The team selection for the weekend was not done with the long term in mind. We need a performance.”

Hines played flank for the British and Irish Lions against Free State and the Southern Kings last year, while he has also played there for Irish side Leinster this season. However, he is predominantly a lock.

“Nathan Hines came on in the second half against the All Blacks and made a difference. I picked the pack with the threat that South Africa pose in mind. Scott MacLeod has been picked at lock and is very athletic in the lineouts,” said Robinson.

The former England coach was generous in his praise of several Springbok players.

“Francois Hougaard has a lot of pace and will ask questions of us. Frans Steyn can be world class and Jean de Villiers does what he does very well. Morné Steyn is the world’s best goalkicker, so our discipline will have to be very good,” he said.

“I rate Ryan Kankowski highly. He’s an excellent ball-carrier. Juan Smith must be one of the best loose forwards in the world at the moment. Bakkies Botha and Matfield are world class at lock.”

While Robinson may be sincere with his compliments, it may well provide motivation for his own troops.

Rory Lawson, grandson of the late commentator Bill McLaren, will captain Scotland from scrumhalf in the absence of the injured Mike Blair.

Hines is picked on the flank in place of Kelly Brown, with the latter moving to No 8 in place of Richie Vernon.

MacLeod is picked over Jim Hamilton, while Nikki Walker replaces Rory Lamont on the wing.

Teams

Scotland:
15. Hugo Southwell, 14. Nikki Walker, 13. Max Evans, 12. Graeme Morrison, 11. Sean Lamont, 10. Dan Parks, 9. Rory Lawson (capt), 8. Kelly Brown, 7. John Barclay, 6. Nathan Hines, 5. Richie Gray, 4. Scott MacLeod, 3. Euan Murray, 2. Ross Ford, 1. Allan Jacobsen

Replacements: 16. Dougie Hall, 17. Moray Low, 18. Richie Vernon, 19. Ross Rennie, 20. Greig Laidlaw, 21. Ruaridh Jackson, 22. Chris Paterson

South Africa:
15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Francois Steyn, 12. Jean de Villiers, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Francois Hougaard, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Juan Smith, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Victor Matfield, 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Beast Mtawarira

Replacements: 16. Adriaan Strauss, 17. CJ van der Linde, 18. Flip van der Merwe, 19. Willem Alberts, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Patrick Lambie, 22. Adrian Jacobs