Robinson’s Plans Hit By Southwell Blow

While it’s fair to say that not all Scotland fans will be overly gutted to learn the news that Hugo Southwell will miss the upcoming World Cup, it does however restrict the options available to head coach Andy Robinson though. The 31-year-old has recently fallen out of the starting 15 for Scotland, although his versatility does make him a very useful option in a tournament. While Chris Paterson has re-established himself at full-back, Southwell is able to play anywhere along the backline and now Robinson will need to find a player capable of stepping in the former Stade Francais player’s boots.

The Scot was one of a huge group of players released by the Parisian giants at the end of the season, and will now focus on finding himself a new club ahead of the new campaign. The knee injury that Southwell sustained back in May hasn’t healed quickly enough, although Robinson was aware of the likely chance that the full-back wouldn’t recover in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The coach has a number of options at full-back though with the likes of Paterson and Rory Lamont, and should be able to make up for the loss of Southwell.

The Scots know that they have a massive job on their hands to get through their group stage when they start their World Cup campaign in September. After being drawn in a Pool alongside both England and Argentina, Scotland will be well aware that three into two doesn’t go, with it looking highly possible that Robinson’s men will be battling it out with the Pumas for that second spot. Those placing Betfair rugby bets should remember this.

Scotland have two recent victories against the Argentineans to look back on and take confidence from. The Pumas have a much higher ranking than the Scots though and the South Americans will probably go into the tournament as favourites to pip the Highlanders for that all-important second qualification spot and a place in the next round. A place in the quarter-final will be Robinson’s target though and he’ll be doing everything he can to ensure his Scottish team achieve that.