Recalled Scotland flanker Blair Cowan holds no grudge towards John Hardie

Scotland flanker Blair Cowan insists he holds no grudge towards John Hardie, despite his rival number seven almost stealing his World Cup hopes.

The London Irish forward has been recalled by Scotland coach Vern Cotter as a replacement following a groin injury to lock Grant Gilchrist, who will miss the rest of the tournament.

New Zealand-born Cowan was devastated when he failed to make the initial 31-man group for the competition, despite starting all five of Scotland's games during this year's 6 Nations.

Cotter gambled on taking just one specialist openside, fellow Kiwi Hardie, who was absent from Sunday's 39-16 win over the United States because of a head injury.

Hardie, who had played in the opening win over Japan, is now back in training and Cowan is looking forward to working with him as Scotland prepare for the match with South Africa on Saturday.

Cowan said: "I was really impressed by John in the Japan game. He played extremely well. He was very physical and put in a truck load of work.

"Listen, I got on really well with 'Hards' during pre-season and before I left, I wished him all the best.

"I think he proved why Vern put him in the squad with that first game.

"He and I have slightly different games and I won't be trying to outdo what he does, because that's his thing and he's very good at it. But I'll be trying to lift the level of what I do."

Cowan does not feel he has to impress the coaching team, and despite his initial disappointment over his omission from the squad, he is desperate to be involved.

"They know what I can do. I don't need to prove myself. I just want to come up here and be positive. Even if it's just in training, I'll just bring some energy," Cowan said.

"And if I'm called up to play on Saturday, am I ready? Yeah - just show me the jersey.

"It was devastating. So to get the call-up is sensational. It's every man's dream. It's just a shame it comes on the back of someone hurting themselves."