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Hosts Scotland, New Zealand, and South Africa have been forced into changes ahead of this weekend’s Edinburgh Sevens after each side picked up various injuries at the London Sevens.

Scotland have had to replace speedster Thom Evans after he injured a foot on Day 1 in London. Full International wing Sean Lamont has joined up with the Scotland Sevens ahead of this weekend’s Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield – the eighth and final leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Lamont, who has been capped 36 times by Scotland, replaces Thom Evans after he was ruled out with a foot injury as the hosts look to build on their first ever Cup semi final appearance in London.

“I was sitting watching the London Sevens on TV and thinking it would be nice to play some Sevens again, especially in such nice weather,” admitted Lamont. “It was surreal when I got a call from [Scotland Sevens coach] Stevie [Gemmell] asking me if I wanted to play.

“I feel like the pressure is on me now because the guys put in such a great performance at Twickenham. I’m actually more nervous about this weekend’s tournament than I have been about any of the other games I’ve played in.”

Gemmell added: “Sean’s addition to the squad is great news in terms of bringing in international quality players to the squad. It puts out a real statement about our intentions this weekend and I hope it helps to encourage the Scottish public to come out and support the team.

Scotland face Kenya, England, and Canada in Pool C.

Gordon Tietjens Captain DJ Forbes and fellow veteran Lote Raikabula have both been scratched from the side for this weekend's Edinburgh leg of the global series. They have been replaced by Edwin Cocker and Willie Rickards respectively. Cocker has been sidelined since breaking his ankle during the side's Wellington Sevens campaign in early February and is a welcome returnee into the squad.

Forbes' injury could end his involvement with the New Zealand Sevens team after he has previously stated he could look off-shore following the 2009 season to concentrate on his 15s career. One player hoping to get a run in Raikabula's absence is New Zealand-born Fijian, Save Tokula.

"I'm looking forward to the Scotland Sevens this weekend, I didn't have much game time in London," said Tokula, 23, a wing or centre.

"I have just got back from injury -- I broke my hand just before the World Cup in Dubai and it's a bit tough trying to get into the starting line-up but here's an opportunity and I have raised my hand.

"It's good to be back with the team that's been playing well."

New Zealand, who will be looking to complete a hat-trick of title wins at Murrayfield, have been pooled with top seeded South Africa this weekend, along with France and the United States.

South Africa coach Paul Treu is wary of New Zealand who beat his side 10-5 in the London semi-finals but know his side only require a single point to clinch the IRB World Sevens Series title.

"I am disappointed that we could not clinch the series in London and feel that we threw away our chances in the way we played against New Zealand," Treu said.

"If you want to be the best team in the world, you have to be consistent and we weren't that in London."
Treu released rising star Robert Ebersohn earlier this week to join the South African Under 20 team as they prepare to depart for Japan for the International Rugby Board’s Junior World Championship.

Ebersohn, who is the current Sasol SA Young Player of the Year, has been named as captain of the SA Under 20 team, coached by Eric Sauls.

“We felt it would be better for Robert to join up with the Under 20’s. They gather in Johannesburg on Thursday for their final preparation and capping ceremony before the tournament in Japan,” said Treu.

“We need one more point to clinch the IRB’s World Sevens Series for 2008/09 and I believe we have the players to do that. Paul Delport is still with us from last week and Marius Schoeman arrived this morning.

Kenya’s Lavin Osego is facing a battle to regain his fitness for this weekend, Oscar Osir, the team manager said winger Leon Adongo was on standby.

“We have to make a decision today although Lavin has been cleared by the physiotherapist.

“He played the match against USA and was able to go all the way despite hobbling a bit after coming off the crutches on Tuesday,” the team manager said.

Pool A – South Africa, New Zealand, France, USA
Pool B – Fiji, Australia, Portugal, Spain
Pool C – Kenya, England, Scotland, Canada
Pool D – Argentina, Samoa, Wales, Georgia