De Klerk has been released to link up with his English Premiership club the Sale Sharks for their game against Saracens.

At this stage, it is unclear if Ivan van Zyl or Embrose Papier will start against the 6th ranked Scots. While Van Zyl did start against England during the 12-11 defeat at Twickenham, Papier may just crack the nod when the coach Rassie Erasmus names his team on Thursday.

Meanwhile, there is doubt over the availability of the two tighthead props, Frans Malherbe and Vincent Koch, due to injury, while the Erasmus, confirms that Warren Whiteley, has been ruled out.

“Hopefully Eben Etzebeth will be back, and we will make a call on that later.

“There is a lot a little bit of doubt over Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe who both picked up knocks, and it is more a matter of caution than anything, but I think they will be fit to play.

Warren Whiteley has a calf injury and I would say he is doubtful for Saturday.”

This should see Etzebeth returning to the second-row and could partner Franco Mostert, but whether he will play remains to be seen. The back-row for the Test may well be made up of the captain, Siya Kolisi, Duane Vermeulen, and Pieter-Steph du Toit. 

Erasmus may also consider starting Francois Louw on the side of the scrum, with Mostert making way for Du Toit at lock.

Saturday evenings Test at Murrayfield kicks off at 19:20.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport