Matt Scott's involvement in next Sunday's match with South Africa at Murrayfield was thrown into doubt last night when it was confirmed that the hand injury sustained by the Edinburgh centre in Saturday's victory over Japan will be examined today by a specialist surgeon in Leeds, writes Alasdair Reid.
The 23-year-old will be seen by consultant hand surgeon Doug Campbell at the SPIRE Hospital, but the very fact Scott is travelling to Yorkshire suggest that the damage is likely to be serious. It is understood that he was taken to hospital straight after Saturday's match, but that the initial diagnosis was inconclusive. "Matt requires further assessment before we can ascertain the full extent of his injury," said Scotland team doctor James Robson.
Earlier, national coach Scott Johnson singled Scott out for praise, saying: "He is a special kid and a special player. I am glad he is playing for us. I will be incredibly glad in a couple of years' time, because I think the whole world will be talking about him."
It has also been confirmed that Al Kellock and Ryan Grant suffered concussion in Saturday's game and will have to satisfy the established return-to-play protocols before they can be declared fit to play the Springboks. Tim Swinson (shoulder) and Duncan Weir (groin) will also require further assessment.
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