Embrose Papier will wear the No 9 jersey for the Springboks against Scotland on Saturday, his eighth cap and first start since his debut year in 2018.
The Bulls scrumhalf forced his way back into contention with a standout domestic season, scoring nine tries for the Bulls under Johan Ackermann. Rassie Erasmus acknowledged that Papier's absence was never a reflection of his ability, but rather the extraordinary depth South Africa has possessed at scrumhalf over the past eight years.
"Guys like Faf, Cobus, Jaden, and a few of the guys who were established were part of two World Cups, and there were a real bunch of good nines playing really well," Erasmus said. "Sometimes it's not because the player is not playing well enough or is not Springbok class; it's just because there are other guys that are playing really well."
Erasmus also pointed to injuries and loss of form elsewhere in the squad as factors that opened the door, while noting that pairing Papier with Bulls teammate Handré Pollard should ease his return. "He gets the opportunity at home with Handré, where he's played a lot of rugby, so hopefully that helps him."
Papier starts alongside Evan Roos, with his pace off the mark considered a particular threat against Scotland.