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Scotland hit by Rugby World Cup injury scare
By Ian Cameron
Scotland’s Rugby World Cup hopes may have just suffered a major blow as scrumhalf Ben White was forced off the field during their Summer Nations Series clash with France at Murrayfield.
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White went down in clear pain after a heavy collision, and initial indications pointed to a lower limb injury of some sort. White’s potential absence will be a cause of concern for head coach Gregor Townsend, as he is regarded by many as Scotland’s first-choice scrumhalf.
French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey caught White in the jaw with a swinging arm as the scrumhalf went to ground, but referee Ben O’Keeffe didn’t refer it to TMO and the game played on.
White could be seen limping off before later punching the bench in frustration as he sported bandages around his ankle.
In Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match, Finn Russell assumed the captaincy for Scotland for the first time. Despite fielding a near-first-choice XV against a second-string French side, Scotland encountered challenges. They made 13 changes to the team that secured victory against Italy, with most of their key players returning to action.
Compounding their worries, skipper Jamie Ritchie was absent due to a minor calf injury. The medical staff remains hopeful that he will recover in time for the rematch between the two teams in Saint Etienne next weekend.
Meanwhile, the French team showed their strength in depth with three debutants, including the impressive Bielle-Biarrey, who played a pivotal role in setting up a scintillating try for Baptiste Couilloud.
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