Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw has been called up to the Scotland bench for Saturday’s Test against New Zealand at Murrayfield after Rory Lawson failed to recover from a hand injury.
The uncapped Edinburgh back will provide cover for Scotland captain Mike Blair, after being called up to the matchday 22.
Lawson, who started Scotland’s last Test in June, has not recovered sufficiently from a hand injury picked up while playing for Gloucester.
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “This is obviously disappointing for Rory but there’s now an opportunity for Greig, who is tenacious and fiercely competitive and has shown the skills and mindset on his appearances for Scotland A and Scotland Sevens and on his performances for Edinburgh to underline his credentials.”
The 25-year-old Laidlaw said: “You feel for your team-mate in a situation like this, but it’s clearly a great chance for me and one I’m determined to take if I get game time.”
