Scotland star 'touch and go' for Champions Cup semi as injury crisis could see 18 y/o in line for debut

Scotland centre Cam Redpath is among the stars who could miss out with Director of Rugby Johann van Graan describing the 26-year old as ‘touch and go’ for the crucial fixture. There is also uncertainty over England internationals Max Ojomoh and Joe Cokanasiga which could lead to a shake up in the back line for the South West club.

However, it’s at scrum half where they are hit hardest with captain Ben Spencer set to miss out. The former Saracens man was named in the starting XV for their Gallagher Premiership fixture with Harlequins last month but withdrew due to a shoulder problem.

Scotland centre Redpath ‘touch and go’ for Champions Cup semi-final

Back up nine Bernard van der Linde was forced off just ten minutes into their 41-38 defeat to Northampton Saints last weekend, his first league start of the season, and has since had ankle surgery. He was replaced by Tom Carr-Smith who is now the only available scrum-half with senior experience.

If Spencer does not recover in time then it looks likely that 18-year old Isaac Mears will make his senior debut in the semi final. The son of former British & Irish Lions hooker Lee Mears only signed his first professional contract earlier this season.

Luckily for Bath, both Carr-Smith and Mears will have Scotland’s Finn Russell to play alongside in the half-back combination. The 33-year old is looking to get his hands on the Champions Cup trophy for the first time, having been part of the Racing 92 side that lost the 2020 final to Exeter Chiefs.

Speaking on the injury crisis, van Graan said: “I'd say they [Spencer, Redpath and Ojomoh] are all touch and go. Joe Cokanasiga as well, he has a mid-leg issue.

“From my point of view, whoever gets selected, we're ready to play on Sunday afternoon and they'll represent the group. We'll wait until after training on Friday to see where we are.

“Our final training session will be when we've already had to officially announce the team, so we will only know by Friday after the session.”

Your next rugby read: Scotland star looking forward to rematch with Irish rival in Champions Cup semi final