Scotland's Grant Gilchrist is looking forward to today's Test match against South Africa.

Buoyed by victory over Argentina last weekend, Edinburgh lock Gilchrist is viewing the clash in Port Elizabeth with excitement, not trepidation.

The tourists are encouraged by results so far but know that facing South Africa on their own patch is by far the toughest challenge they have faced since the new coaching regime took over at the start of the month.

Gilchrist said: "Playing against South Africa, the No.2 side in the world, is exciting.

"It is always good to go against these players who have been there, done it, and you can test yourself against the best. That is what I want to do.

"Argentina was a big test up front and we came through that pretty well. There are areas of the game that disappointed us but we are just looking to improve and we need to do that this weekend.

"We know South Africa at home is massive."

Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth is close to being sold out but organisers are confident it will be full for the game, adding to the sense of excitement for the two teams.

There is, however, an experimental look to both sides, with the English and French refusing to release players, costing the Scots 12 players from the squad that started the tour in the USA - and also affecting the Springboks, who have had to send seven men back to Europe.

In Nelspruit a year ago Scotland gave the hosts a scare but could not close out the win.

Gilchrist, above, said: "Last year the guys that played did really well and defended at an intensity that we know we need to match. If we don't we won't be giving ourselves a chance.

"It shows the standard we need to reach because we did not get the result - that is all we can take from it.

"Their squad is going to be talented. Though there are a few new faces they will all have played a lot of Super Rugby and will be raring to prove themselves.

"We just need to make sure that we don't drop off in the last quarter and that our bench bring more than their bench."

Speaking of his new-look side, Springboks captain Victor Matfield said: "It is great to see these young players coming in - they are so full of enthusiasm you almost have to slow them down at training and make sure they are also accurate, they just want to go."