Hines set for Scotland return

Hines has been out of international action since last March after breaking a bone in his foot whilst playing for Perpignan in the French Championship, but looks set to return this weekend after passing a fitness test.

Worse news for Scotland Head Coach Frank Hadden is that Edinburgh’s Hugo Southwell did not take part in the training session at Murrayfield on Monday. The fullback suffered knee ligament damage during the defeat by England and travelled home in a supporting brace.

Hadden said: “Hugo has a slight knee problem which is being monitored at the moment. The injury did not look too good on Sunday but it looks better today.”

Southwell is receiving extensive physiotherapy from Scotland medics Stuart Barton and Stephen Mutch and will be assessed again on Wednesday, but remains in contention for selection.

Four forwards were treated by the medical team on Sunday including prop Gavin Kerr and back row forwards Simon Taylor and Dave Callam. All three suffered minor neck injuries, while lock Alastair Kellock was administered ten stitches on two separate head wounds.

Hadden added: “There is a hunger to get better among all the players and that is so exciting and gives me a cause for optimism.”

The Scotland team to face Wales will be named on Wednesday morning.