Scotland team announcement delayed

ANDY Robinson has delayed naming the Scotland team that will face South Africa until tomorrow, after 10 of his players who featured in Saturday's crushing defeat to New Zealand were forced to miss training yesterday after feeling the effects of a bruising encounter.

But Rory Lawson gave the coach a boost ahead of the second EMC Autumn Test against the world champions at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The Gloucester scrum-half returned to training after missing Saturday's opener with a hand injury.

Lawson's return will come as a relief to head coach Robinson after Scotland captain Mike Blair sat out training after suffering a head injury in the 49-3 defeat by the All Blacks.

With Chris Cusiter still out with a long-term knee injury, Lawson's return to fitness gives Robinson much-needed cover in the number nine position.

Centre Max Evans (shoulder), flanker John Barclay (ankle), stand-off Dan Parks (knee), hooker Ross Ford (shoulder), lock Jim Hamilton (back), prop Alasdair Dickinson (shoulder) and wing Rory Lamont (thigh) all sat out.

Flanker Ross Rennie and lock Nathan Hines were also rested but both are available for selection.