Scott MacLeod out of final Test as Scots earn rankings lift

SCOTLAND'S shock Test win over South Africa is set to move the country into a record high of sixth in the world rankings, but it has come at a cost as Scott MacLeod becomes the latest player ruled out by injury and prop Allan Jacobsen is rated doubtful for the final international of the year against Samoa.

Scotland pulled off a stunning 21-17 win over the Springboks on Saturday through six Dan Parks penalties and a drop-goal by the fly-half, which appears set to knock South Africa off second spot in the fresh IRB world rankings released today - and move Scotland up from eighth, to where they dropped after the New Zealand defeat, past Argentina and Ireland into a new high of sixth place.

That has still to be confirmed, but Scotland head to Aberdeen with their attentions already focused on claiming back-to-back wins with a final EMC Autumn Test series success against the Samoans at Pittodrie.

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MacLeod suffered a painful rib injury just before half-time on Saturday, and Jacobsen picked up a shoulder injury which the SRU said yesterday would require "further assessment".

The good news for the Scotland coaches is that they will have selection options. Former skipper Alastair Kellock came through his Scotland 'A' game on Friday night with no adverse reactions to a knee injury, and so he and Jim Hamilton will be vying to fill MacLeod's boots.

Nathan Hines could start where he finished on Saturday, alongside Richie Gray in the second row, leaving scope for a return to the opening match's back row with Richie Vernon back at No 8 and/or the possibility of Ross Rennie returning to the starting line-up.

Mike Blair and Max Evans, injured against the All Blacks, could also be back in the frame.

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