Duncan Weir spots an opening after South Africa defeat

South Africa 34 Scotland 16: Stand-off Duncan Weir hopes his stunning second-half burst against South Africa on Saturday will help seal his place in coach Vern Cotter’s plans as Scotland look to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Weir’s lung-bursting 80-yard run in the 49th minute which led to Tommy Seymour’s try was the Scottish high point in a 34-16 defeat which leaves them needing to beat Samoa back in Newcastle next weekend.

The reality for Weir is that first-choice No 10 Finn Russell is likely to force his way back into the starting line-up provided he shrugs off the ankle injury which left him on crutches after the match against the United States.