Frank Hadden has welcomed the return of Jason White and Mike Blair from injury, as Scotland embark on their World Cup warm-up campaign.
Scotland boosted by return of key duo
Frank Hadden has welcomed the return of Jason White and Mike Blair from injury, as Scotland embark on their World Cup warm-up campaign.
White has returned from a ruptured cruciate ligament injury to his right knee, while Blair has battled back from a serious shoulder complaint.
The duo came through an internal 10-a-side tournament in St Andrews though, and have given the squad a timely boost ahead of the World Cup starting in September.
Hadden said: "Obviously it was at the back of all our minds that they were vulnerable to injury because they had been out for so long, but I think they both showed that they are in fine fettle."
Revenge
A 19-18 defeat to Ireland at Murrayfield in March helped condemn the Scots to winning the wooden spoon in this year's RBS Six Nations tournament.
Hadden's men face the Triple Crown holders at Murrayfield on August 11, and the coach has stressed the need for a win.
"We need to generate a bit of momentum going into the World Cup - and what better way of doing that than knocking off one of the big favourites for the tournament," Hadden continued.
"We owe them one. We think we've had a good summer, but we'll only find out how good it has been after these matches."
Testing times
Scotland also take on another of the World Cup favourites, South Africa, ahead of the tournament in France, and Hadden has conceded that will be another tough test.
"We have two incredibly tough games against two very good sides. Ireland have been together for two years, so everyone know what their first team is and how dangerous that side can be," he added.
"Meanwhile the South Africans are going to be on a real high after knocking off the All Blacks at home."
The Scots are sweating on knocks to Scott Lawson (ankle) and Seam Lamont (knee) though, who will reassessed before being confirmed for selection.
