Fans' fury at 'weak team'

"I would be appalled if this happens," said Neil Hunter, secretary of the Federation of Scottish Rugby Supporters of a situation that is looming due to the subsequent clash with Italy being targeted as a more winnable clash in plotting a route to the quarter-finals.

Hunter admitted the issue was "one of the most divisive" in the history of the official supporters' organisation. This was borne out today by rugby legend Ian McLauchlan who, besides having captained Scotland, scored a try which helped the Lions on the way to their only series victory so far in New Zealand back in 1971.

Supporting the idea of wrapping perceived front liners in cotton wool, McLauchlan said: "The team management are on the spot, doing a good job, and have to be backed.

"Basically we have got to be supportive in their bid to get the team through to the quarter-final and whether it is a first or second team that is put out is of no consequence because an overview has to be taken."

But Hunter said: "Let's hope speculation that Scotland will field a second string is wrong.

"Fans travel across the country then organise accommodation, bars etc to see the best team try to win. It would be appalling if the top side wasn't sent out."

But in a thinly-veiled hint at the changing of the guard in world rugby, perhaps partly based on three times as many Italian clubs in European competition and three straight wins for the Azzurri under-19s against Scotland, Hunter said: "Without fielding the top side it comes down to preparing a long, long time for a match against Italy."

On the split in supporters' organisation ranks, he said: "Some see the fact that Italy have not been at their best so far as an indication they will be particularly dangerous as Scotland.

"Others say in such circumstances why not go for it against New Zealand?"

Kiwi player Elgan O'Donnell, of Boroughmuir, took a neutral stance today, saying: "If Scotland do put out a less than full strength side I don't think it would be disrespectful to New Zealand."