White in doubt for World cup

Scotland’s captain Jason White faces a fitness race for the World Cup after being ruled out for the season with cruciate knee ligament damage.

White who plays flank for the Sale Sharks is to undergo reconstructive surgery on his right knee and will be sidelined for up to nine months.

White’s studs caught in the turf during the first half of Scotland’s 48-6 victory over Romania. White’s injury is not the only injury as eighth man Johnnie Beattie will also be sidelined for six weeks after he was carried off early in Saturday’s win over the Pacific Islanders having sustained ligament damage to his left ankle.

Ally Hogg looks like he will miss the start of the Six Nations as will scrum-half Chris Cusiter.

The Scottish National team doctor who has been on Lions Tours, James Robson said: “Following consultation with orthopaedics specialist Dai Rees, it has been decided that Jason will require repair to his anterior cruciate ligament. That operation will take place next week.

“Following that, Jason will embark on an intensive rehabilitation programme with his club.”