MacArthur set for Scotland debut
Pat MacArthur will be on the Scotland bench to face Italy in Saturday’s Six Nations Championship match at Murrayfield.
The uncapped 25-year-old hooker will be in a Scotland matchday 23 for the first time after his Warriors team mate, Dougie Hall, was ruled out through the knee injury he sustained against England.
Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Dougie has a mild strain of his knee which will not settle in time for this weekend’s game.”
MacArthur said: “It’s a huge honour to have the chance to play for my country. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I started playing mini rugby at Ayr and aimed for since I became a professional with Glasgow Warriors.”
Meanwhile, there is better news on Scotland flank Alasdair Strokosch. Dr Robson said: “Alasdair was seen by a specialist at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital this week and the injury was diagnosed as a fracture of the orbital floor [the area around the eye].
“Alasdair is returning to his club in France and will be in their care. If he has no complications he should be available to return to action in four weeks’ time.”
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Sean Lamont, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Kelly Brown (captain), 6 Robert Harley, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Moray Low, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Alastair Kellock, 20 David Denton, 21 Henry Pyrgos, 22 Duncan Weir, 23 Max Evans.
Date: Saturday, February 9
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 14.30 (14.30 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Leighton Hodges (Wales)
TMO: Marshall Kilgore (Ireland)
