Scotland rocked by triple injury blow ahead of Wales clash
INJURY UPDATE: Scotland have been hit by a major triple injury setback ahead of their Six Nations showdown with Wales, with Jamie Ritchie, Jack Dempsey, and Jamie Dobie all ruled out of the trip to Cardiff.
The trio has returned to their respective clubs after picking up injuries in the Calcutta Cup victory over England at Murrayfield.
Reports from France indicate that Perpignan forward Ritchie could face an extended spell on the sidelines with a fractured shin, while head coach Gregor Townsend confirmed that Dempsey suffered a bicep injury during the win in Edinburgh.
Their absence is set to force a reshuffle in the back row. Matt Fagerson is pushing for a starting role after an impactful display off the bench against England, while Gregor Brown could shift from the second row. In-form Edinburgh flanker Freddy Douglas is also in contention.
Dobie injured his shoulder in the closing stages of the Calcutta Cup clash, ending a promising run on the left wing. Darcy Graham is expected to return to the starting XV, with Duhan van der Merwe another option Townsend could turn to.
With the revised Six Nations schedule eliminating the first fallow week and requiring teams to play three consecutive Tests, Townsend acknowledged changes may be unavoidable.
“We knew that coming into these three games,” he said, as Scotland train in Spain ahead of travelling to Cardiff.
“We have a strong squad. Players have played a lot of rugby, and others have trained well. I’m sure there’ll be a different team next weekend.”
