Sutherland and Darge out of squad as Scotland call up four players

Scotland have lost Rory Sutherland and Rory Darge to injury ahead of their clash with Australia on Sunday. Uncapped Glasgow flanker Darge did not feature in Scotland’s emphatic win over Tonga on Saturday while British and Irish Lions prop Sutherland was absent as Worcester beat Sale due to a muscle injury.

When asked about both Darge and Sutherland, Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy said: “The medics are still doing a couple of things and we don’t have exact timelines but it might be a struggle for the autumn.”

Edinburgh forward Magnus Bradbury, a late call-up to the squad last week, and winger Damien Hoyland have also dropped out after not featuring against Tonga.

Dan Biggar – Why the Autumn Nations Series is the most brutal of all

Dan Biggar – Why the Autumn Nations Series is the most brutal of all

Three uncapped props – Northampton’s Nick Auterac, Javan Sebastian of Scarlets and versatile Wasps forward Robin Hislop – have been added to the squad. They had all been called up to Scotland’s squad for the ill-fated summer tour which saw all three games cancelled. Tandy added: “They have been performing really well for their clubs, so it’s really good to get them in camp.

“Some of the boys were in in the summer and a lot of the coaches spoke really highly of them, so to get them back in again is really good for us. They are coming in to be part of the environment and if they are part of the environment then they are available for selection. We have brought them in to have a real look at them and be part of that selection process.”

"Specialists were saying, ‘Never think about rugby again, forget about rugby, think about having a normal life’."

– New Worcester prop Rory Sutherland, the recent Lions pick, has come a long way in five years writes @heagneyl ???#Lions #Warriors #EXEvWORhttps://t.co/LDRIKJHcSk

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 8, 2021

Glasgow lock Scott Cummings also comes in but is unavailable for selection following surgery on a hand injury last month. Tandy is relishing the prospect of trying to keep Dave Rennie’s side Australian side quiet but he stressed Scotland would be looking to take the game to their visitors after racking up 10 tries against Tonga. “They are in great form and have played a lot of tough rugby over the last few months,” Tandy said of the tourists.

“They play some really good football. They are averaging 30 points a game, three tries, so we know defensively we are going to be really tested. But it’s an exciting opportunity for us. We did really well in the Six Nations defensively and we know we are going to have to be on point.

“We are at home, we have a sell-out crowd and we want to express ourselves and take hold of the game. We know the Aussies will have the ball for long periods as well but we want to play our own style and we want the ball.

“We have had a good balance over the last couple of years. When we haven’t got it, it’s about getting back as quickly as we can, and when we have got it, it’s making sure we can build pressure and hopefully score points.”

We look at Scotland's clash with Australia this weekend, where Gregor Townsend will be seeking to extend his great record against the Wallabies. #AutumnNationsSeries #SCOvAUShttps://t.co/bLJw9iLyBX

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 1, 2021