Scotland v Ireland, Six Nations, Murrayfield, February 26
Triple injury blow for Scotland
ESPNscrum Staff
February 21, 2011
Scotland's Joe Ansbro looks dejected,  Scotland v Wales, Six Nations, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, February 12, 2011
Centre Joe Ansbro is one of those who will miss Sunday's Six Nations clash with Ireland © Getty Images
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Scotland's hopes of resurrecting their Six Nations campaign have been dealt a triple injury blow with Joe Ansbro, Hugo Southwell and Rory Lamont all ruled out of their clash against Ireland on Sunday.

Fullback Southwell has not recovered from the facial injury he suffered in the defeat by Wales earlier this month. Northampton centre Ansbro suffered concussion during his team's Premiership defeat to Bath at the weekend and Toulon fullback Lamont sustained a leg injury in his side's Top 14 clash against Agen.

"We have made the decision now that all three of our injured backs will miss this weekend's international so that brings clarity to our preparations," said head coach Andy Robinson who has seen his side slump to defeats against France and Wales in their opening Championship fixtures.

"We wish all of them a speedy recovery. Our medical staff will continue to treat and monitor our injured forwards. Everybody was hurting after the display against Wales but we must now focus on the challenge that Ireland bring and there's absolute determination to bounce back against them at Murrayfield on Sunday."

Six forwards sat out training today, with Scotland team doctor James Robson reporting that they will require further medical assessment. Glasgow Warriors pair Jon Welsh (ribs) and Robert Harley (hip), Edinburgh flanker Ross Rennie (toe) and Leinster lock Nathan Hines (knee) all suffered knocks in Magners League action at the weekend.

Richie Vernon is still feeling the effects of the calf knock he suffered against Wales while hooker Dougie Hall continues to be troubled by the shoulder injury that ruled him out of the Murrayfield defeat.

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