Hines not fazed by reshuffle

Scotland forward Nathan Hines is relaxed about the possibility of returning to his more familiar second-row position if Richie Gray fails to recover from illness in time to face Wales in the RBS 6 Nations tomorrow.

Hines was selected at blindside flanker on Wednesday, but a Gray stomach bug could result in a reshuffle with the Leinster forward moving alongside captain Alastair Kellock in the second row.

It is a scenario Hines is more than happy with.

The 34-year-old, who has won the majority of his 68 caps at lock, said: “It’s a little bit easier slipping back into second row.

“It’s like putting a comfy pair of shoes on, you’re pretty much used to being there.

“It’s not going to be a bother.”

With just Kellock and Gray in the matchday squad and no second row cover among the substitutes, Hines and Scott MacLeod, who has been on standby, have been training at second row throughout the week.

If Gray is absent, MacLeod will move onto the bench, with Kelly Brown taking the number six jersey and Richie Vernon promoted into the starting line-up as number eight.

“There was a possibility I’d go into the second row anyway,” added Hines.

“It’s no stretch to be put in the second row if I have to be tomorrow.”

Gray was Scotland’s star performer in last week’s 34-21 loss to France, but Hines is confident Scotland can cope in his absence.

He added: “Richie’s a talented player. He would be a big miss, but the 15 guys that take to the pitch will do their best and make sure their preparation’s 100% to try to knock Wales off tomorrow.”

Wherever he plays, Hines will be a key component of Scotland’s forward pack.

Against France, Scotland’s scrum struggled, but Hines is confident the flaws have been rectified.

“We’ve done our best during the week to try and put things right but we’ll find out tomorrow,” he added.

“I expect we won’t be pushed around like we were last week.”