Hardie in contention after back problem

Scotland have received a fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with Fiji as John Hardie has recovered from a back spasm.

The Edinburgh flanker suffered the injury before the victory over Italy earlier this month and with Hamish Waston, his rival for the openside slot, also carrying a niggle, Scotland had to shuffle their squad at the last moment.

“It was just a bit of a problem I had with my back in the warm-up,” Hardie said.

“It is one of those things, it has not happened in my career before. It was pretty disappointing, but nothing major. It lasted a week or so and I am over it now and ready to go.

“It is frustrating. You can do all the training and that stuff but when it comes to game day, which is the most important day, these things happen. It definitely makes me keener to play and if I get an opportunity this week it will be really good.”

With fly-half Finn Russell and prop Allan Dell having left the tour to join the Lions, and centre Alex Dunbar given the week off, head coach Gregor Townsend is already committed to making changes to the side that beat Australia when he announces his team today.

If Hardie returns to the line-up, one of his main jobs will leading the defence against the potent threat of Fiji’s strike runners, with Super Rugby players now available.

“We can all see the threat Bill (Viliame Mata) offers at Edinburgh and you can remember the threat Glasgow had with Leone (Nakarawa),” Hardie said.

“I have played (at Otago Highlanders) with Patrick Osborne who might be on the wing this weekend. He is a great player and you might have (Josua) Tuisova back as well.

“We know the threat they pose individually and as a team, so we are looking forward to the challenge.”

John Hardie: well aware of the threat Fiji pose.