Scotland injured Rory Sutherland ahead of Sunday’s clash with Australia
Rory Sutherland will be out of Scotland’s entire Fall Nations series after being dropped from the squad to face Australia on Sunday.
The British and Irish Lions mainstay before Worcester’s win on sale over the weekend failed fitness tests late and are unlikely to return for subsequent matches against South Africa and Japan following a muscle injury.
Meanwhile, Rory Darge’s wait for his first cap will continue next year when the Glasgow flankers leave the team with an ankle problem.
Asked about the two players, Scotland’s defense coach Steve Tandy said: “The medics are still doing some things and we don’t have a specific schedule, but it could be difficult for the fall. “
Edinburgh forward Magnus Bradbury, who was called up to the squad late last week, and winger Damien Hoyland also retired after failing to take part in Saturday’s 60-14 win over Tonga.
Three uncapped props – Northampton’s Nick Otterack, Scarlets’ Javan Sebastian and Wasps forward Robin Hislop – have been added to the squad.
They were all called up to the Scottish squad for the unfortunate summer tour, with all three games being cancelled.
Tandy said: “He did really well for his clubs, so it’s really nice to have him in camp.
“Some of the boys were there this summer and a lot of the coaches were talking about it really well, so it’s really cool for us to have them back.
“They become part of the environment and if they are part of the environment, they are available for selection. We brought them in to actually review them and be a part of this selection process.”
Scotland will be backed by a win over Tonga as they prepare to face Australia on Sunday
Australia will reach Murrayfield after a five-match victory, including two wins over world champions South Africa.
Tandy liked the prospect of Dave Rennie’s side trying to keep quiet, but insisted that Scotland would offer the game to their visitors after completing 10 tries against Tonga.
“They are in great shape and have played very tough rugby over the past few months,” Tandy said of the tourists.
“They play very good football. They’re getting an average of 30 points per game, three tries, so we know defensively that we’re going to get really tested.
“But it’s an exciting opportunity for us. We’ve played very well defensively in six countries and we know we have to stay on point.
“We are at home, we have a sold out crowd and we want to express ourselves and master the game. We know the Australians will have the ball for a long time, but we want to play our style. And we want the ball..
“We have had a good balance in the last two years. When we don’t have it it’s about coming back as soon as possible, and when we have it it’s about making sure we can build up the pressure and hopefully get some points. “
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