BLAIR Cowan, who was originally left out of Scotland’s Rugby World Cup squad in favour of John Hardie, has been called up as a replacement for Grant Gilchrist. The London Irish flanker, who had been due to play for his club against Harlequins on Friday, joined up with his team-mates yesterday and will now come into consideration for the game against South Africa at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on Saturday.

“It was a bit of a shock,” Cowan said of his call-up. “I had to tie up a few things with the club.

"Then it was just getting the mind ready and packing the bags and heading up this morning - 4.30 from the door.”

Gilchrist was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a groin injury sustained in Sunday’s win over the United States, leaving head coach Vern Cotter with three locks to choose from - Jonny Gray, his brother Richie, and Tim Swinson.

No.8 David David Denton can also provide second-row cover if needed, while Cowan gives head coach Vern Cotter more options in the back row.

The selection of Hardie as the only specialist No.7 was the most controversial element of the original squad of 31, and the risk in choosing only one was made clear at the weekend, when Hardie was ruled out of the USA match after failing a head-injury test administered after he took a knock against Japan.

Hardie has yet to pass that test and so is a doubt for the South Africa match on Saturday.

Glasgow playmaker Finn Russell remains a serious doubt for that game because of an ankle injury. The stand-off currently has a moon boot on the damaged foot and is walking with crutches.

Cowan took time out to go home to New Zealand after being left out of the squad, but insisted from the start that he still remained committed to the cause.

Yesterday he explained how tough it had been to deal with being left out, but also said he was excited to get involved in the tournament after seeing it catch the public imagination.

“It was absolutely devastating,” he said. “But at this level, the World Cup is the mecca and we knew from the word go that seven was the crunch position, with so much competition at a high level. The margins were fine in selection.

“It took me a bit of time to move on, but I didn’t hold anything against them. You just look at John Hardie’s performance against Japan - I thought he was outstanding.

“I’ve had friends posting things comparing the World Cup to the buzz of the Olympics. In London, where I live, you get the feeling that the whole nation is involved.

"It’s pretty special and amazing for the sport and something you are desperate to be involved in. You never want to come in on someone else’s misfortune, but that’s the nature of the game.”

Jonny Gray, meanwhile, explained how badly the squad felt for Gilchrist. “It was absolutely devastating,” he said. “Everyone’s really gutted to lose him and I’m absolutely gutted for him.

“We saw Grant yesterday morning, went up and spoke to him and it was terrible to hear the news.

"I wished him all the best and he wished all the boys the best for the next couple of games.”