Jason White says the warm weather has been a problem

Jason White has shrugged off an ongoing back problem and hopes to lead Scotland to their first-ever away victory over South Africa on Saturday.

The back-row forward has been feeling the effects of wear and tear after a demanding season for club and country.

"I have been experiencing problems with my back," said the Scotland captain.

"I don't think the warm weather in this part of the world has helped particularly, but at present it is as close to perfect as it's going to get."

Despite that hindrance, White has been inspirational for Scotland - leading them to their best-ever Six Nations finish - and Sale, who he helped to the Guinness Premiership title.

We have had a tremendous week's training and adjusted well to the conditions Jason White

"It is not 100% - and it is never going to be," he said.

"I just have to accept the fact that it (his back) will flare up from time to time and the medics are great at sorting it out.

White will take his place in a rejigged Scotland back row, with Ally Hogg switching from the open-side flank to number eight in place of the injured Simon Taylor, and Donnie Macfadyen coming into the side.

"It will be difficult for Ally because he has not played there a lot recently, but he is a great footballer and he did get a run there against the Barbarians which gave him the chance to build more confidence," White added.

"The Springboks have a very strong back row. They are a set-piece orientated side with a good line-out and we are sure they will try to scrum us out of it.

"But we have had a tremendous week's training and I think we have adjusted well to the conditions.

"The timing of the game is good for us as we are at the end of a very positive season."