SCOTT MacLEOD has been ruled out of Scotland’s final Autumn Test with Samoa next Saturday after suffering a rib injury in their stunning victory over world champions South Africa.
Second row MacLeod made his first Scotland start in more than two years as Andy Robinson’s men beat the Sprinboks 21-17 at Murrayfield, with Dan Parks kicking six penalties and a drop goal.

But the 31-year-old was forced off in the first half and loosehead prop Allan Jacobsen, who disrupted the South Africa scrum throughout the contest, suffering a shoulder injury which threatens his inclusion next week, too.

Scotland will now fancy their chances of winning the Six Nations after clinching their fourth victory in five Tests as they recovered from the humbling 49-3 loss to New Zealand.

Scotland skipper Rory Lawson said: “The conditions were really brutal. It was all about being together and working hard for each other.”

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Chris Paterson is facing a battle to be fit for Edinburgh Rugby's inaugural trip to Italy on Saturday and a meeting with Magners League new boys, Aironi.

Scotland cap record holder Paterson limped off three quarters of the way through Edinburgh's revitalising 32-24 win over Leinster last Friday and has subsequently been receiving treatment for a foot injury.

"He is now under the care of Edinburgh's medics but it is too early to say whether he will be available for the trip to Aironi."

Paterson, whose career was briefly in doubt when he split a kidney on his 100th appearance for Scotland against Wales last February, has played in all four club matches since resuming at the start of the current campaign.

His presence in the squad would be especially welcome this weekend because, with Phil Godman a long-term casualty and Alex Blair on Commonwealth Games sevens duty, Edinburgh will be stretched for back-up to David Blair at the stand-off position.

Full back Paterson's versatility has long been a key asset and if he misses the Italy trip then 20-year-old Tom Brown, his successful replacement last weekend, could start for the first time.

Alternatively there could be a switch from centre for Ben Cairns unless Jim Thompson shakes off knee trouble and makes a seasonal re-appearance.

Stand-off cover could then be the responsibility of James King or Gregor Hunter, neither of whom have been in the match-day squad this season.

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Scotland V Italy Hospitality

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Categories: Scotland V Italy Hospitality, Scotland V Italy Hospitality Packages, Scotland V Italy Tickets. Author: Autumn International 2009