Rugby: Stuart McInally to replace injured John Barclay on Scotland tour

By BILL LOTHIAN
Published on 31/05/2012 12:00

Edinburgh Rugby star Stuart McInally was today flying to Australia as cover for injury-hit flanker, John Barclay, on Scotland’s current tour.

The uncapped McInally, 21, received a dramatic call as one of two reinforcements - Glasgow centre Alex Dunbar is the other because of Max Evans’ possible involvement in French Championship play-offs - when Barclay damaged a hand in training.

Scotland meet Australia in Newcastle on Tuesday and coach Andy Robinson said: “We’ve called up Stuart as a precaution. John should be available for selection for the Test but we felt it better to ensure we have sufficient back-row options.”

As for Dunbar, he has less far to travel having been summed from Tasmania where he is on holiday.

“We’ve gone for him as we are still liaising with the IRB, French Federation and Castres to have Max Evans join us as soon as possible,” said Robinson.

McInally’s call-up confirms that he has fully recovered from the hamstring injury which rendered him unavailable for Edinburgh’s Heineken European Cup semi-final with Ulster having started that competition by gaining man-of-the-match honours in the win at London Irish.

Ironically, McInally could be in line for a debut in the second tour match against Fiji, who are captained by Edinburgh colleague Netani Talei, who earlier this year told the Evening News: “Stuart McInally is playing amazingly well and it will not be that long before he makes Scotland’s team.”