Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

No place for Hastings as Jordan starts for Scotland

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Tom Jordan of Scotland arrives during the Autumn Nations Series 2025 match between Scotland and Fijiat Scottish Gas Murrayfield on November 02, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Tom Jordan has been rewarded for his impressive debut off the bench in last week’s record 57-17 win over Fiji with a place in Scotland’s starting line-up against South Africa on Sunday afternoon.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jordan’s inclusion at full-back is one of four changes to the backline, while the starting pack mirrors that of the Fiji game.

The Kiwi-born 26-year-old replaces Kyle Rowe, who picked up a hamstring injury, and is joined in the back three by Blair Kinghorn on the right wing, with Duhan van der Merwe on the left. It will be Kinghorn’s first Test outing in the number 14 jersey since Scotland played France in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup.

Captain Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones continue in midfield, while it’s all change in the half-backs with first-choice pairing, Ben White and vice-captain Finn Russell restored to the team. Adam Hastings, who bagged 17 points against Fiji, does not even make the matchday 23.

Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Zander Fagerson continue in the front row and will again be backed by the lock pairing of Grant Gilchrist and Scott Cummings.

Head-to-Head

Last 3 Meetings

Wins
0
Draws
0
Wins
3
Average Points scored
13
25
First try wins
100%
Home team wins
33%

Matt Fagerson and vice-captain Rory Darge retain their spots at flanker and Jack Dempsey will attempt to take the fight to South Africa from No 8.

On the bench, Elliott Millar-Mills replaces Darcy Rae as reserve tight-head, while Josh Bayliss and Jamie Ritchie also come into the squad.

ADVERTISEMENT

Scotland team (vs South Africa, Sunday):

15. Tom Jordan – Glasgow Warriors (1)
14. Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse (53)
13. Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors (51)
12. Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors (28) captain
11. Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby (42)
10. Finn Russell – Bath Rugby (80) vice-captain
9. Ben White – Toulon (22)
1. Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby (35)
2. Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby (20)
3. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (68)
4. Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby (73)
5. Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors (40)
6. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors (48)
7. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors (23) vice-captain
8. Jack Dempsey – Glasgow Warriors (21)

Replacements:

16. Dylan Richardson – The Sharks (4)
17. Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors (33)
18. Elliot Millar Mills – Northampton Saints (5)
19. Max Williamson – Glasgow Warriors (5)
20. Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby (7)
21. Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby (52)
22. Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors (7)
23. Stafford McDowall – Glasgow Warriors (6)

Related

Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 tickets application phase is now open! Apply now.

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
F
FC 22 days ago

3 South Africans to help steady the ship. Scotland actually have a fighting chance now.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

M
Mzilikazi 4 hours ago
'Welsh regional rugby has failed conclusively and there is no way back'

Thanks for the very comprehensive response, Rob. I have held off responding till I had seen the match v the WB's, and had a better look at Sam. I was interested that you knew him at Uni, played with him.


I thought overall he had a very good game. Was especially impressed by his passing, the timing and accuracy. Very good long passer. He kicks well out of hand, and strikes the ball well off the tee. His one miss could have been costly, but I would not put too much on that.


I did feel he did not pose a running threat, did to carry into contact enough, so the WB's defence was spared that worry.


I fully agree with you that Cullen now needs to give Sam and extended run at 10 for Leinster, not necessarily starting him in every game, but making sure he always gets significant game time, week in, week out.


I'm interested in your comment "if he had a bit more pace he’d have the potential to have sextons brains and bods skills." That would be some combination !


I also had a look at his background. I knew he was a Newbridge College lad, and see he played for them in the Cup Campaign that was never finished due to Covid restrictions. I remember that year well....pity as that was an all Kildare Final, with Clongowes the opponent. The big Dublin schools for once not featuring.


Same happened up in Ulster, two schools outside Belfast in the Final...Wallace and Armagh Royal. I follow Armagh from out here in Qld, as Kenny Hooks(6 caps for Ireland) had built a small school up to being one of the best in Ulster over 40 plus years coaching there. I coached Kenny for five years...Medallion/U 15 and first XV.. at Bangor GS.


Signing off, just hope and pray Sam Prendergast remains free of any serious injury, and we see him develop over the next 10 plus years.

169 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Can Will Jordan avoid the All Blacks curse of turning 27? Can Will Jordan avoid the All Blacks curse of turning 27?
Search