Samoa v Scotland, Apia
Barclay to sit out Samoa Test
ESPN Staff
June 19, 2012
Scotland's John Barclay takes on the French defence, Scotland v France, Six Nations, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, February 26, 2012
John Barclay on the charge for Scotland © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: John Barclay
Teams: Samoa | Scotland

Scotland back-row John Barclay will sit out their Test match with Samoa this weekend and will return home to plan his imminent wedding.

Barclay turned out in the wins over Australia and Fiji but coach Andy Robinson has revealed that Barclay's omission was already in place before the tour started. "He has got his wedding a week on Saturday and we have always said that we were prepared to release him after two games," Robinson told BBC Sport. "There are two reasons for this. One is the difficulty of travel from Samoa and the other is the risk of injury.

"Obviously, we have got plenty of back-row cover."

With Barclay absent, it is likely that Robinson will turn to either Richie Vernon or Stuart McInally to fill the void. Scotland will be looking to finish their tour with a 100% win record and Robinson is optimistic on the fitness of Ryan Grant but less so on Euan Murray's chances of facing Samoa.

"Injury-wise, we have got shoulder bruising to Al Kellock, Max Evans and Ryan Grant," said Robinson. "Euan Murray has twisted his knee and Al Strokosch has a calf irritation.

"All in all, we seem to have shaped up pretty well. We have got to wait and see on Euan, but we have got cover in his position. Geoff Cross did well when he came off the bench and there is more cover in Moray Low. We do expect Ryan to be fit."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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