Scotland gave world champions South Africa a real contest at Murrayfield last weekend but ultimately fell short as the Boks ran out 32-15 winners in the end.
Gregor Townsend will hope to see his team bounce back with a commanding victory this weekend when they take on Portugal who will be playing at the home of Scottish Rugby for the first time in history this weekend. With many of the nation’s biggest names expected to be rested there should be a chance for the squad’s fringe players to get some time in the spotlight.
With that in mind, this is our predicted starting XV for this weekend’s third Autumn Nations Series Test:
1. Nathan McBeth
Rory Sutherland seems to be the main replacement for Pierre Schoeman at Losehead but but with the British & Irish Lion's injury history it may be wise to keep him rested for Australia - giving McBeth a chance to start | SNS Group
2. Dylan Richardson
Many will want to see Johnny Matthews, recently added to the squad, starting but expect him to be named on the bench with Richardson getting the nod after coming off the bench in recent weeks | SNS Group
3. Elliot Millar Mills
Unlikely to do anything in this match to convince anyone he should start the bigger games ahead of Zander Fagerson but needs to make the most of starts when they come his way | SNS Group / SRU
4. Alex Samuel
Yet to earn his first cap but with clubmate Max Williamson dropping out he may get his chance against Portugal | SNS Group