Scotland call on reinforcements
Scotland have called up seven players as they battle with a number of injuries in their camp ahead of the clash with the Springboks at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Edinburgh centre Matt Scott has been ruled out of the remainder of their year-end Tests due to a hand injury he picked up in the victory over Japan last week, while there are a number of other players that are still recovering from minor injuries.
Scotland team doctor James Robson said that although Scott's injury does not require surgery, he will be out of action for six weeks.
"Matt was seen by consultant surgeon Doug Campbell yesterday and it was confirmed he has sustained a fracture to a bone in his hand.
"Happily, Matt does not require surgery. The usual return to play from an injury of this nature is approximately six weeks," he said.
The other players under injury clouds are tight forwards Ryan Grant and Alastair Kellock, flyhalf Duncan Weir and scrumhalf Greg Laidlaw.
Robson added: "Both Ryan Grant and Alastair Kellock are continuing to make good progress on the return to play protocol following the concussive episodes they sustained at the weekend.
"Duncan Weir was examined at Shawfair Hospital in Edinburgh yesterday following the groin injury he suffered against Japan. He has minor soft tissue damage and is making good progress under the care of our physios.
"Nor will Greig Laidlaw train this afternoon as he is undergoing re-hab and recovery from a calf injury from the weekend," he explained.
Although those players are expected to be fit to face the Boks on Sunday a number of players have been called up to the squad as back-up.
They are the Edinburgh capped quartet of backs Jack Cuthbert, Tom Brown and Lee Jones and flank Ross Rennie; the Glasgow Warriors pair of capped prop Jon Welsh and Scotland Sevens utility back Byron McGuigan; and the 25-year-old uncapped Leeds back Stevie McColl.
McColl, the former Scotland Sevens and age-grade player, who was players' player of the season at the English Championship club last season, has been called up to the Scotland squad for the first time.
The Scotland team to play South Africa is due to be announced on Wednesday.
