Botha set to start against Scotland

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Springbok lock Bakkies Botha is set to make his return to Test action against Scotland in Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Veteran Springbok lock Bakkies Botha is set to make his return to Test action against Scotland in Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Botha was recalled to the Springbok squad for their end-of-year tour but was not included in the matchday squad for last weekend's win over Wales in Cardiff as he only joined them last Tuesday evening.

But Bok coach Heyneke Meyer revealed that he is likely to use the 34-year-old enforcer this weekend.

“There is a good chance that Bakkies will start,” Meyer told Die Burger's website.

“We want to see what he can do for us. He's been very influential since he arrived. You could see how guys like Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit look up to him.

Botha, who currently plays for Toulon, last played for South Africa at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Meyer also said he would take a few selection risks against Scotland. With the match being played on Sunday – and the following weekend's clash with France being on a Saturday – it gives the team relatively short recovery time for what will be a tough final outing in Paris.

“We'll have to think long and hard about the team. The priority is obviously to win and secondly there's also the issue of having only five days before the Test against France.

“We'll have to take calculated risks. Not only to make sure that the players are 100% for the game against Scotland, but also for the game against France.

“The plan will be worked out in detail. But the team must be strong enough to beat Scotland.”