Joe Ansbro replaces Max Evans in Scotland XV to face Springboks

Evans has not sufficiently recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered at the end of last Saturday's 49-3 loss to New Zealand.

Ansbro (pictured) had been named in the Scotland A team for tonight's match with the United States, but has now been promoted to first XV and will make his debut against the world champion Springboks.

Evans was taken off on a stretcher at the end of last week's loss to the All Blacks, but was on Wednesday named in the team for tomorrow's Test.

However, he will now be replaced at outside centre by Ansbro, who comes in to join Graeme Morrison in Scotland's midfield.

The 25-year-old Glasgow-born back was thrilled to be selected.

Ansbro told www.scotlandrugbyteam.org : "It's the highlight of my rugby career so far to be called up for a game of this magnitude to represent Scotland.

"There's excitement, pride and a bit of nerves as well, a good mix really."

Ansbro, who was brought up near Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway, has played in two Varsity Match wins for Cambridge over Oxford and becomes the first black player to represent Scotland.

Ansbro's inclusion takes the number of changes made in head coach Andy Robinson's starting XV to five, with one positional switch.

He joins captain Rory Lawson, Scott MacLeod, Nathan Hines and Nikki Walker in being promoted to the starting line-up, with Kelly Brown switching from blindside flanker to number eight.

Robinson said: "Joe is a talented footballer. We have been monitoring his progress at Northampton closely and he has been getting regular game time this season.

"We took him with Scotland A to the IRB Nations Cup in Romania in 2009 and we believe he has the required qualities to perform in international rugby."

The Scotland medical team reported Evans' condition is improving all the time and he could be included in next weekend's third and final autumn international against Samoa in Aberdeen.