Mather heads Down Under to replace Mower
The 31-year-old has been called up by Scotland coach Ian McGeechan to replace the injured Andrew Mower, who has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.
Mather left Scotland last night and arrives in Australia tomorrow, in time to watch the team's match against the United States in Brisbane on Monday.
"I'm disappointed I won't be able to lead the boys in our Celtic League game against the Borders at Hughenden on Friday night that's a huge game for us," said Mather, who is the Glasgow captain.
Glasgow and Borders are both in the bottom three of the Celtic League with a victory each from four outings.
Scottish coach Ian McGeechan singled out Mather's versatility as the key element which earned him selection. "Cammie is in fine form and we've been monitoring him closely.
"If required he can play at seven which is one of the criteria we were looking for," said McGeechan.
Meanwhile, Wales will edge closer towards a Rugby World Cup quarter-final place if they beat Pool D opponents Tonga in Canberra on Sunday.
And prop Iestyn Thomas, who is among several players called up by coach Steve Hansen following last Sunday's 41-10 victory over Canada, knows his team-mates must not blow the opportunity.
"If we come through this game successfully, then we are one victory off a place in the quarter-finals," said Llanelli forward Thomas.
"We know that Tonga are a very physical side who put in a lot of big hits, and we will need to wear them down."
Centre Iestyn Harris, the outstanding Welsh player against Canada, is among those given a breather ahead of Saturday week's crunch appointment with Italy.
Mark Taylor takes Harris' midfield place, while other switches behind the scrum see full-back Rhys Williams in for Kevin Morgan, wing Tom Shanklin replacing Gareth Thomas and fly-half Stephen Jones taking over from Ceri Sweeney.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
