Scotland's first choice lock Grant Gilchrist on Monday will play no further part in the World Cup because of a groin injury suffered in the win over United States.

It is a serious blow to the Scots ahead of their key game on Saturday against Pool B rivals South Africa. Coach Vern Cotter also has concerns about first choice fly-half Finn Russell.

The Scottish Rugby Union said 25-year-old Gilchrist "has been ruled out of the national team’s Rugby World Cup 2015 campaign" after leaving the field just 19 minutes into Sunday's game.

Scotland won the match 39-16 to go top of the group having taken maximum points, including the two offensive bonus points on offer, from their two matches.

They thrashed Japan 45-10 in their opening game for which Gilchrist was a starter in the engine room of the scrum with Jonny Gray.  

The SRU did not immediately name a replacement for Gilchrist.

It added that Russell, who was injured in the 60th minute, "sustained an inversion injury to his ankle, which will require further care and assessment."

Source: AFP