Scotland announce rugby squad for Nelson Mandela Bay Test

The Scotland rugby squad for the match against the Springboks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 28 June, has been announced. While several key players are unavailable due to club commitments (the match falls outside the International Rugby Board window), new coach Vern Cotter still has a capable team.

Ross Ford (hooker) is the most experienced member of the squad, with 75 caps, while 20-year-old Stuart Hogg (fullback) is arguably the most exciting.

Scotland put up a brave fight when they lost 30-17 to the Springboks in Nelspruit last year, a match they played without stars who were involved in the British Lions tour. They were, however, thrashed 28-0 at Murrayfield in November, and will be looking to avenge this heavy defeat when they take the field in Port Elizabeth.

Below is the Scotland squad for the tour of South Africa, with the number of Test caps per player in brackets, courtesy of SA Rugby magazine.

Forwards: Kevin Bryce (uncapped), Geoff Cross (28), David Denton (22), Alasdair Dickinson (34), Ross Ford (75), Chris Fusaro (2), Grant Gilchrist (4), Jonny Gray (3), Rob Harley (4), Moray Low (26), Pat MacArthur (4), Gordon Reid (uncapped), Tim Swinson (7), Jon Welsh (2).

Backs: Alex Dunbar (8), Dougie Fife (1), Grayson Hart (uncapped), Stuart Hogg (20), Peter Horne (2), Ruaridh Jackson (23), Sean Maitland (9), Peter Murchie (2), Henry Pyrgos (10), Tommy Seymour (8), Duncan Weir (13).