MORGAN'S SOS

Scotland sent for reinforcements last night, as two senior players were ruled out of their African tour.

Craig Chalmers has failed to recover from a hamstring problem and Rowen Shepherd has sprung rib cartilages.

Their places will be taken by Melrose club-mate Bryan Redpath and experienced Currie stand-off Ally Donaldson.

"We are hoping they will be on their way tonight," said manager Dougie Morgan, following the 42-20 mauling by Gauteng Lions on Friday.

Donaldson will be a direct replacement for Chalmers, who hasn't played any rugby on tour after arriving with a hamstring strain.

But after Hugh Gilmour's fine performance at full-back against Gauteng, after coming on as a replacement for Shepherd, Redpath's call-up reflects other priorities. Tour skipper Andy Nicol also suffered rib damage and while it is only severe bruising, he may not be fit for midweek.

"That would leave us without bench cover at scrum-half for the Gauteng Falcons match," said Morgan.

"So if anything happened to Graeme Burns, we could be in trouble."

Two other squad members, Derrick Lee and Andy Lucking, who have been suffering from food poisoning, were left at the hotel on Friday night.

"But we're hopeful they'll have it out of their system and will be fit for Wednesday," said Morgan.

And it was by no means all doom and gloom for the Scots, after losing to one of the world's most feared provincial sides.

Scotland youngster Cammy Murray showed maturity beyond his years and demonstrated just the attitude the management were looking for in the rapidly-analysed lessons of Ellis Park.

Murray refused to lose his composure after receiving rough treatment from the home side - and referee Andre Watson.

The youngest man in Scotland's starting line-up at the scene of the 1995 World Cup final, Murray was one of Scotland's best performers.

But he was the subject of two disgraceful assaults and was unfairly cautioned by the match official, following another incident.

"I was cautioned because the referee said I retaliated, but I think he got it wrong," Murray explained.

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