Harley races to Scotland's rescue
Flank Rob Harley has joined the Scotland team touring South Africa as two other forwards headed home.
Loose forward Ryan Wilson dislocated his shoulder during the 17-30 loss to South Africa last Saturday in the second round of a four-nation tournament.
And lock Jim Hamilton, who was sin binned in the game, will miss the third-place play-off with Italy to be with his wife who is expecting their child.
Wilson is the fourth Scottish forward to suffer a tour-ending injury after flank and captain Kelly Brown, prop Geoff Cross and hooker Pat MacArthur.
Scotland face the Italians in Pretoria on Saturday in the first half of a Test double-header followed by the Final between South Africa and Samoa.
Harley, 23, has fond memories of Italy, making his first start for Scotland against them in a 34-10 Six Nations victory at Murrayfield four months ago.
Scotland team manager Gavin Scott said: “In light of the injury sustained by Ryan Wilson in Nelspruit which ended his tour and the fact that we were already down in the back row following the injury departure of Kelly Brown the previous week, we’ve decided to call on Rob.”
Harley said: "It's amazing to be called-up to the Scotland tour. I came in last week for pre-season training with Glasgow and wasn't expecting to get the call so it's a bit of a shock but very exciting.
"The game against Italy in the Six Nations was my first start for Scotland so I know a little about them but I'm sure it'll be a different game over in South Africa with different conditions.
"I'm excited about the challenge and I hope I get the chance to show what I can do."
The Scots lost 17-27 to Samoa in Durban two weeks ago, but gave a much better display against the Springboks and held an 11-point lead in the second half.
AFP & rugby365
