Scotland will be without Hamish Watson and Rory Sutherland and have a nervous wait for Finn Russell ahead of the fourth and final Autumn Test against Argentina.
Russell’s partner Emma Canning, the international heptathlete, is due to give birth to their first child this week back in Paris. If the baby comes early in the week, Russell has indicated he could still play – there will be limited physical and training work this week anyway.
Head knock rules out Watson
Hamish Watson is out of the squad having sustained a concussion against the All Blacks. Rory Sutherland has also returned to his club to recover from a knee injury.
Callum Hunter-Hill has been called up ahead of this weekend. pic.twitter.com/0t6dVOxu2Z
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 14, 2022
The Scots are well versed in the short six-day turnaround these days with sauna and cryotherapy treatments. But despite their tried and tested preparations it’s too soon for Watson, who took a heavy head knock against New Zealand.
The dynamic flanker made a brilliant chase and tackle on Jordie Barrett in the first half, but took a blow to the head from the big Kiwi’s hip. Sutherland has a similar knee injury to Adam Hastings – not long-term, but enough to rule him out.
“Rory’s injury will be scanned tonight but I don’t think he’ll be available,” said head coach Gregor Townsend. “Hamish had a nasty head injury, really disappointing because it was such a brilliant tackle. He’s definitely out next week.”
Saracens lock Calum Hunter-Hill has been called up.
“Finn seemed confident Emma would not have the baby before the weekend,” continued Townsend. “The due date is the week after Argentina, but the midwives and the doctors in France have said the week before.
“So we’ll see, timing might be great. Early in the week and he’d be fine, he told us he would be available next week.”
A last chance missed?
All the angles of an amazing BT Murrayfield moment. @Darcy_Graham | @autumnnations pic.twitter.com/23VSKs7HJr
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 14, 2022
Townsend said that the management and players remained disappointed with their loss to New Zealand – after leading 23-14 going into the final half-hour – as many thought it would be their last chance.
Sunday was Scotland’s first game against the All Blacks in five years. The last eight meetings of the teams have all been at BT Murrayfield. The Scots were due to play in New Zealand in 2020 but the game was cancelled due to Covid. Scotland’s last test there is as far back as 2000, and none are presently scheduled.
“The win was there for us,” said Townsend. “I played New Zealand six times as a player and got nowhere near winning.
“The game five years ago was a great performance but we were trailing going into the last minute even if we almost won.
“I feel this was our great opportunity to beat New Zealand at last. I’m sure there will be opportunities in the future. But for this group of players and coaches, we probably won’t be there for that, and that’s what hurts.
“When we arrived in the stadium you felt the atmosphere was special. More people waiting for us than ever before, the noise and the supporters getting behind the team.
“It’s great to know these supporters are there with us. We have to give them those special wins.”
Fourth test in four months against Argentina
¡#LaJugadaDeLaSemana de @LaSiglo21 se la lleva Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro! 🏉
Line, maul y try para la conquista de Los Pumas el último sábado ante Gales 🏴#VamosLosPumas pic.twitter.com/IZUJt3AaRC
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) November 14, 2022
That and the disappointment had to fuel Scotland’s response in their fourth test in four months against the Pumas.
“To have a 23-0 period against a quality side as we did on Sunday shows what we’re capable of. We’re capable of winning against New Zealand, we’re capable of beating anyone.
“Disappointment has to fuel the players, what we did this weekend has to motivate so we can deliver a better performance next week.
“There was so much positivity around the atmosphere and the connection of our players and the crowd. We’ve got a really tough challenge for next week.
“We have to make sure we’re right physically and play better. The six day turnaround will have an influence on the team for next week, but if it is just down to form then a lot of players from Sunday will get another chance.”