Late injury blow for Scots

Scotland forward Alasdair Strokosch will miss his side's Test match with South Africa on Saturday due to a calf strain, the Scottish Rugby Union announced on Friday.

The Perpignan flank has been replaced in the starting line-up by John Barclay, who will start at openside, with captain Kelly Brown switching to the other side of the scrum.

David Denton takes over from the injured Ross Rennie at No.8, while uncapped Edinburgh back-row Stuart McInally has been included in the list of replacements.

"We wish 'Stroker' a speedy recovery," said Scotland head coach Andy Robinson, who saw his side beaten 51-22 by New Zealand last weekend.

"John is an experienced campaigner, while Stuart was with us on the June tour and is raring to go."

Strokosch wrote on Twitter: "Gutted to miss this week was looking forward to hard game The boys will do us proud and congrats Stuart potential 1st of many caps."

In the other change to the Scotland team, tighthead prop Euan Murray returns after missing the match against the All Blacks due to his refusal to play on Sundays on religious grounds.

Scotland - revised: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Nick de Luca, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Greig Laidlaw, 9 Mike Blair, 8 David Denton, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown (captain), 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Ryan Grant.

Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Kyle Traynor, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Alastair Kellock, 20 Henry Pygros, 21 Ruaridh Jackson, 22 Peter Murchie, 23 Stuart McInally.

Date: Saturday, 17 November 2012

Kick-off: 14.30 (14.30 GMT; 16.30 SA time)

Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Christophe Berdos (France)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

AFP