Rugby: Line-out battle will be key test

When even substitute backs were highlighting South Africa's line-out strength, it is a fair bet that the need to combat this area of expertise has been central to Scotland's planning for Saturday's Test at Murrayfield.

Certainly that would go a long way to explaining coach Andy Robinson's decision to ensure that, for the first time in a 65-cap Scotland career, the 6ft 7in Nathan Hines will start at flanker rather than second row - providing the extra height he feels is essential.

Indeed, it might be the only explanation with Robinson spending part of yesterday's team announcement praising the likes of Richie Gray and Hines (a replacement) both of whom were at the core of a line-out he described as having fallen apart in the second half of Saturday's 3-49 defeat by New Zealand.

That was an occasion when Scotland "let the nation down" according to Robinson who included himself in that summation. At least he was able to front up at yesterday's announcement.

As for all those who started what is largely viewed as a debacle, they were absent with interviews being fulfilled either by those have been introduced this weekend or who came off the bench last week.

Presumably, talking is to be done on the pitch.

At the behest of a sponsor, though, winger Sean Lamont was available to answer questions for a social network website including everything from "how training is going, to if he has any pre-match superstitions." No mention of the current try-drought as 30,000 tickets are still required for a sell out for the visit of the reigning world champions.