Hines blow for Scotland

Nathan Hines was today ruled out of Scotland's RBS 6 Nations game in Wales after suffering a calf strain and aggravating an ankle injury against France.

Leinster star Hines will be replaced at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday by Edinburgh's Jim Hamilton, who has only recently recovered from a long-term knee problem.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "Nathan suffered a calf strain and aggravated an old ankle injury during the match at the weekend.

"Whilst the injury has settled considerably, it is not at a level adequate for exposure to the rigours of Test match rugby and therefore Nathan is withdrawn from selection."

Head coach Andy Robinson wished Hines a speedy recovery and explained why Hamilton, 27, had been selected ahead of Richie Gray, who was already on the bench for this weekend's game.

"I welcome Jim back into the squad following his own recovery from injury," Robinson said.

"We're going with Jim as he's our like-for-like with Nathan and will help us to get a platform should we look to get our mauling game going. Jim is also an experienced player."

Hines' withdrawal brings the total number of changes from Sunday's defeat to France to four.

Dan Parks, Euan Murray and Rory Lamont were all recalled yesterday following the dispiriting 18-9 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland team for RBS 6 Nations match against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, February 13 (kick-off 2pm):

C Paterson (Edinburgh); T Evans (Glasgow), S Lamont (Scarlets), G Morrison (Glasgow), R Lamont (Toulon); D Parks (Glasgow), C Cusiter (Glasgow, capt); A Dickinson (Gloucester), R Ford (Edinburgh), E Murray (Northampton), J Hamilton (Edinburgh), A Kellock (Glasgow), K Brown (Glasgow), J Barclay (Glasgow), J Beattie (Glasgow).

Replacements: S Lawson (Gloucester), A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), R Gray (Glasgow), A MacDonald (Edinburgh), M Blair (Edinburgh), P Godman (Edinburgh), M Evans (Glasgow).