Blair out of Lions clash

Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions’ tour clash against Western Province at Newlands today.

The Scotland skipper was due to have been a replacement, providing bench cover for England’s Harry Ellis.

But Blair sprained a ligament in his foot during training yesterday and will miss the game.

With Mike Phillips still recovering from the midweek victory over the Sharks, Wales wing Shane Williams will take Blair’s place among the substitutes.

Wales wing Williams has previously played at scrum-half during his career, but the loss of Blair is a blow as the Lions target a fifth successive victory building towards next Saturday’s first Test against world champions South Africa in Durban.