Scotland 'hurting' after heavy loss

Hadden calls off practice in Durban

Scotland coach Frank Hadden, fearing a major injury crisis in the touring party, on Monday abandoned a training session in Durban as his team started planning for the second test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Scotland have based themselves in Durban, the venue of their heavy 36-16 loss to the Springboks last Saturday.

It is a defeat that came at a hefty price.

Four frontline stars - including skipper Jason White - face a race to be fit for the second Test.

The biggest doubt is winger Sean Lamont, who took a blow below the knee, while fullback Hugo Southwell hurt his shoulder in a try-saving tackle last Saturday.

In addition, loose forward Donnie Macfadyen has a painful chest bone, with back row partner White also complaining about a knee problem.

Hadden could not disguise his concern, but insists he has not reached the stage of calling for reinforcements.

"We are hoping an extra 24 hours will give us a clearer picture and a lot will depend on whether these guys can run on Tuesday," Hadden said.

He has, however, opted to keep John Beattie in South Africa instead of sending him back to France to link up with the Under-21 side competing in the International Rugby Board (IRB) age group World Championships.

"Under-21 manager John Jeffrey is comfortable with that and understands how important the situation is for us," the Scotland coach said.

"The bonus is what a good development opportunity it is for John when you consider he is a player who may well have a shot at the World Cup next year.

"This is a good place for him to be and I think everybody is aware of the bigger picture."

Meanwhile, winger Simon Webster believes Scotland can learn from the defeat in Durban when they arrive at the EPRFU Stadium in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

The Edinburgh Gunners man, 25, scored the Scots' only try in Durban and is convinced the team can take heart from the way they refused to buckle under the pressure of the South Africans.

Webster said: "It is always a good feeling to score in a Test, but the game was well over by then.

"But at least it showed us what can be achieved when we do the right things with the ball.

"And we are looking forward to doing more of the same in the return match on Saturday."