Scotland face South Africa on Saturday in arguably the biggest game in their recent history, and Vern Cotter's men would be forgiven for going into the clash thinking they have a real chance of victory. Despite a thumping win over Samoa, the Springboks are still a wounded beast after suffering a shock defeat by Japan in their opening fixture. Scotland, on the other hand, are sitting pretty at the top of Pool B with an impressive 10 points from two matches. The Dark Blues' victories over Japan and the USA might have started slowly, but dominant second-half performances have seen them accelerate away from opponents. A win at St James' Park could seal Scotland a quarterfinal berth - it promises to be spectacular.

Team news

Mood in the Scotland camp might be upbeat but the Six Nations side were dealt a blow in midweek when influential fly-half Finn Russell was ruled out with an ankle problem. The 23-year-old is on crutches after picking up a knock in last Sunday's victory over the USA in Leeds. Cotter will now put his faith in Russell's bustling Glasgow teammate Duncan Weir, who replaced Russell at Elland Road last weekend. Blair Cowan is the other notable addition to the Scotland XV, with the flanker called up to the squad as cover for the injured Grant Gilchrist. Initially left out of the World Cup party altogether, Cowan starts on Saturday.

South Africa go into the fixture without their talismanic captain Jean de Villiers, who retired from international rugby following a fractured jaw sustained against Samoa. Veteran scrum-half Fourie du Preez is named skipper in his place, with Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer making three changes to his squad. Lood de Jager comes into the second row for the injured Victor Matfield, while Bismarck du Plessis returns as hooker. De Villiers' place in the midfield is filled by Jesse Kriel.

Scotland: Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown, Willem Nel, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss, Blair Cowan, David Denton; Greig Laidlaw (captain), Duncan Weir, Tim Visser, Matt Scott, Richie Vernon, Tommy Seymour, Stuart Hogg

Replacements: Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Ryan Wilson, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Peter Horne, Sean Lamont

South Africa: Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen; Fourie du Preez (captain), Handre Pollard, Bryan Habana, Damian de Allende Jesse Kriel JP Pietersen, Willie le Roux

Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willem Alberts, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, Jan Serfontein

Key head-to-head

Finn Russell is looking more and more like the real deal for Scotland, so his absence against South Africa is potentially a big problem. Duncan Weir is an able deputy but lacks the spark of his more fluid clubmate. Lining up opposite him is Handre Pollard, who has talent by the bucketload. However, shorn of the experience of Jean de Villiers outside him, the young Springbok could take some time to find his feet. The two stand-offs have much to consider and the hopes of two exciting backlines rest of their shoulders.

Key stats

*Scotland have a terrible record against the two-time World Cup winners, winning just five of the 25 clashes between the two nations. The Springboks have won 20, with no draws yet recorded. This will be the first time they have ever played on neutral soil.

*South Africa have never lost two matches in the pool stage of a World Cup.

*Greig Laidlaw is Scotland's top points-scorer in the tournament so far, racking up 26 to put him fifth on the overall leaderboard. South Africa's Handre Pollard has scored 19 points so far.

Odds

Unibet have a Springboks victory priced at 1/8, while Scotland are labelled 51/10.

Weather

Most of the United Kingdom has been basking in glorious autumnal sunshine this week, but Saturday could see a move towards cloudy skies over Newcastle. However, with little chance of rain, temperatures of around 11 degree celsius, and only the lightest of breezes, it promises to be a perfect day for rugby.

Prediction

Scotland have looked impressive after the half-time breaks in their victories over Japan and the USA, but they are yet to play a Tier One nation in their pool. South Africa might have been utterly humiliated by the Japanese in their opening game, but they came back strongly to thrash Samoa last time out. That momentum is unlikely to be halted by the Dark Blues, and the Springboks can expect to win by 10 points.