Edinburgh hooker Stuart McInally has been called up into the Rugby World Cup 2023 squad to replace David Cherry.
To ensure a full front-row complement McInally, who is playing in his second Rugby World Cup and could be in line for a 50th cap if selected, joined the Scotland squad today (Thursday).
McInally was already in the country but separated from the squad after he was put on standby when a concussion was sustained by fellow hooker Ewan Ashman last week.
Cherry suffered a concussion after an accident in the team hotel earlier this week and is now following the current return-to-play protocols. This means he is unavailable for at least the next 12 days.
The decision was therefore taken to end his tournament involvement on medical grounds after he injured his head on Monday, slipping on hotel stairs, on a team day off.
“I’m hugely disappointed to be leaving the squad with concussion. I’ve loved my time in camp over the summer and gaining my first World Cup cap on Sunday against South Africa. I want to wish the team all the best for the remainder of the competition.”
Dave Cherry
Ashman is continuing his own return-to-play protocols but is currently on track to be available for selection next week.
4 Responses
If Ashman is on track to be available against Tonga I wonder why Cherry didn’t just follow the normal return to play protocols given that he’d only miss one game and be back for Romania. Slips on the stairs on a team day off – sounds like Cherry has bypassed the naughty step so to speak.
Pleased for Rambo that he gets another bite at the Cherry. Apologies for the puns.
Agreed, sounds as if he has been naughty boy
Gutted for Cherry, delighted for Rambo. His experience is priceless. I believe his leadership was imperative in the draw with England and since that day , the Scottish Rugby Wineglass , has been half full. I have no doubt that if he gets on the pitch, he will be influential.
I’d make McInally 1st choice, he is the most dependable.
Now I’ve had about a week since the SA here are my ramblings.
Everyone knew what the SA tactics would be, hugely physical a d flood the space that Scotland need to play. Scotland needed a error free start and come up with tactics to counter the physical rush defence.
I have offered previously that Scotland should be practising the 50-22 (most likely the 15 standing a wee bit deeper giving the kick option and putting seed of doubt into the SA minds).
Well…………..I questioned the lack of kickers and the lack of a dependable replacement for Finn Russell in the 23
It’s very similar to the Ireland game in RWC 2019 where it appeared we hadn’t a plan b.
I realise it’s easy for me to say this from the comfort of my armchair, but….