Hines locked in to selection fight

Nathan Hines admits the competition for places in Scotland's second row is hotting up ahead of their defining games in World Cup Pool C.

Scott Murray, James Hamilton and Scott MacLeod are fighting with Hines for the two positions at lock in Frank Hadden's starting line-up.

And Hines, who played with Scott Murray against Portugal, admits it is anyone's guess as to who will get the nod, saying: "There isn't much between us to be honest."

He added: "It was good to be back with Scott (against Portugal).

"We have played together for a long time so we know each other and it takes a bit of pressure off me because he's really good at lineouts.

"It's good to have him back in the team, but we are strong in the second row.

"We have James there who is playing well and also Scott (MacLeod)."

Hines and the rest of the Scotland squad will remain in St Etienne until Sunday, before they fly back to Edinburgh for the Romania and New Zealand games.

He hopes returning home does not make the Scots lose their World Cup momentum.

"I think it's good that we got to stay here for the whole week after the Portugal match," he added. "We have been in Scotland for three months preparing for the World Cup so now we really want to get a feel for the tournament. We also want to see what St Etienne has to offer."