BLAIR Cowan has been called up to the Scotland squad as a replacement for Grant Gilchrist, who was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a groin injury. The openside flanker, who has 13 caps, met up with his team-mates at their Newcastle base this morning.
The withdrawal of Gilchrist leaves three locks - Richie and Jonny Gray and Tim Swinson - competing for the two places against South Africa. No 8 David Denton can also provide second-row cover if needed, while Cowan gives head coach Vern Cotter more options in the back row.
The selection of John Hardie as the only specialist No 7 was the most controversial element of the original squad of 31, and the risk in choosing only one was made clear at the weekend, when Hardie was ruled out of the USA match after failing a head-injury test administered after he took a knock against Japan. Hardie has yet to pass that test, so as things stand is not ready to play against South Africa on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Finn Russell remains very doubtful for that match because of an ankle injury. The stand-off currently has a moon boot on the injured foot and is walking with crutches.
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