Rugby World Cup
Finn Russell to miss crunch Scotland tie with South Africa
ESPN Staff
October 1, 2015
Self-belief is important - Cotter
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Fly-half Finn Russell will miss Scotland's potentially decisive World Cup clash with South Africa after failing to shake off an ankle knock.

The influential playmaker has been key to Scotland's opening two wins over Japan and the United States but remains on crutches after injuring his ankle in Sunday's victory over the Eagles in Leeds.

Head coach Vern Cotter - who has announced 10 changes in his team to face the Springboks in Newcastle this Saturday - will now put his faith in Russell's Glasgow team-mate Duncan Weir as he seeks the win which could clinch the Dark Blues a quarter-final slot.

The Scots top Pool B after bonus-point wins against Japan and the United States, with 2007 world champions South Africa three points behind in second place, having lost to Japan and beaten Samoa.

"This is a massive test for our team. Playing South Africa is one of the biggest challenges you can face as a rugby player," Cotter tsaid. "We'll need to be very good on the day."

Scotland: Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown, Willem Nel, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss, Blair Cowan, David Denton; Greig Laidlaw (captain), Duncan Weir, Tim Visser, Matt Scott, Richie Vernon, Tommy Seymour, Stuart Hogg

Replacements: Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Ryan Wilson, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Peter Horne, Sean Lamont

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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