Scotland lose Finn Russell for crunch South Africa clash
Friday 2 October 2015 16:15, UK
Fly-half Finn Russell will miss Scotland's potentially decisive Rugby World Cup clash with South Africa after failing to shake off an ankle knock.
Russell has been key to Scotland's opening two wins over Japan and the United States but he remains on crutches after injuring his ankle in Sunday's victory over the Eagles in Leeds.
Head coach Vern Cotter - who has announced 10 changes in his team to face the Springboks in Newcastle this Saturday - will now put his faith in Russell's Glasgow team-mate Duncan Weir as he seeks the win which could clinch the Dark Blues a quarter-final slot.
Flanker Blair Cowan, who was only called up to the squad this week in place of the injured Grant Gilchrist, goes straight into the starting line-up as the openside flanker. Josh Strauss moves to No 6 and David Denton starts as the No 8.
Ryan Wilson drops to the bench and there is no place in the squad for Alastair Strokosch, who started at No 6 against the USA.
Richie Gray keeps his place but he has new second row partner - his brother Jonny - who replaces the injured Gilchrist.
There is an all-new front row with Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown and Willem Nel coming in. Ross Ford and Jon Welsh drop to the bench, and Ryan Grant drops out altogether.
Full-back Stuart Hogg and left wing Tim Visser keep their places in the back-line, but Tommy Seymour is preferred to Sean Maitland on the right wing.
Richie Vernon and Matt Scott form the midfield duo in place of Mark Bennett, who is dropped, and Peter Horne, who is named on the bench. Captain Grieg Laidlaw will partner Weir at half-back.
Cotter said: "This is a massive test for our team. Playing South Africa is one of the biggest challenges you can face as a rugby player. We'll need to be very good on the day."
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Richie Vernon, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Greig Laidlaw (c); 1 Gordon Reid, 2 Fraser Brown, 3 Willem Nel, 4 Richie Gray, 5 Jonny Gray, 6 Josh Strauss, 7 Blair Cowan, 8 David Denton.
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Jon Welsh, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Ryan Wilson, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Peter Horne, 23 Sean Lamont.
