GLASGOW Warriors forward Ryan Wilson could be available to play for Scotland against Argentina at the weekend, despite lasting only five minutes of the game against Australia two days ago. The No 8 needed hospital treatment for a cut to his ankle, but was able to rejoin his team-mates later that evening.

Edinburgh’s John Hardie, who replaced Wilson, had to go off himself with 20 minutes left in the 23-22 defeat at Murrayfield and is now a doubt for the match against the Pumas. So too is former Warrior Richie Gray.

With another Glasgow back-row forward, Josh Strauss, also doubtful after missing the Wallabies game through injury, Cornell du Preez of Edinburgh has been called into the squad. Born in South Africa, Du Preez qualifies for Scotland on residence grounds, and would be winning his first cap if selected.

But even if Wilson and Hardie are both ruled out, head coach Vern Cotter could still opt to bring squad member Rob Harley into the back row instead of capping Du Preez. The Glasgow player can play at lock as well as at No 6 so his versatility would come in useful in a depleted squad.

“Ryan Wilson suffered a laceration to his ankle in the fifth minute of the match which required medical attention at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary,” a statement from Scottish Rugby explained yesterday. “He re-joined the team after the match.

“Lock Richie Gray underwent a head injury assessment (HIA) in the 12th minute and returned to the field. He must now complete the third part of the HIA process tomorrow (48 hours post-match) to be considered available for this Saturday’s Test match against Argentina in Edinburgh.

“John Hardie suffered a concussion, as well as a knee and ankle sprain, in the 61st minute. He is now subject to the graduated return to play protocols for his head injury, as well as ongoing rehabilitation and medical management for his leg. As a consequence of the injuries sustained in the game and the ongoing rehabilitation of back-row Josh Strauss, Scotland have added uncapped Edinburgh Rugby back-row Cornell Du Preez to the squad.”

It was another agonising defeat for Scotland against the Wallabies, who also beat Cotter’s team by a single point in last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final. The Scots actually won the try count this team, three to two, with Huw Jones getting a couple on his first start and Jonny Gray claiming the other one. Captain Greig Laidlaw added the other points with two conversions and a penalty.

Scotland raced into a 10-0 lead almost before Australia had time to draw breath, but the tourists, ranked third in the world, soon hit back with a penalty from Bernard Foley and a converted try from Reece Hodge. When Jones scored again that took the half-time score to 17-10, and after another Foley penalty had cut the home team’s lead Gray forced his way over to make it 22-13.

But there was a cruel twist still to come. First Foley was on target with another penalty, and then, with five minutes left, Tevita Kuridrani powered his way through a tiring defence. The stand-off added the two points to make it two wins out of two for the Australians on their tour following their far more comfortable win over Wales a week earlier.