Scottish lock out of Samoan clash
Scotland paid a dear price for their inspired 21-17 win over South Africa at the weekend.
Scott MacLeod, the 31-year-old Edinburgh lock, has been ruled out of this coming Saturday’s Test against Samoa in Aberdeen.
Scotland produced a performance of ferocious commitment, magnificent precision and endless energy to record a quite sensational win over reigning World Cup champions, South Africa.
MacLeod damaged his ribs in the first-half of the victory against the Springboks South Africa at Murrayfield.
Scotland team doctor James Robson confirmed on Sunday that the injury means MacLeod cannot be considered for the game against the Pacific islanders.
Richie Vernon, who came on for Macleod in the 34th minute, is in line for a starting spot in the second row.
Robson also reported that prop Allan Jacobsen, who won his 49th cap at the weekend, has a shoulder injury which will require further assessment over the next few days.
There were heroes everywhere among Andy Robinson’s men, who defended with brilliant intensity, attacked with purpose and saw off both the Springboks and those naysayers who dismissed them after last week’s defeat to New Zealand.
It was Scotland’s first success over South Africa since 2002, when another similarly wet afternoon was brought to life by a victory for the ages.
Following on from the win over Australia 12 months ago, the Scots now have another huge Southern Hemisphere scalp to show off as proof positive of progress.