Rugby World Cup 2019: Scotland sweat on injuries after warm-up win against Georgia

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend is sweating over the fitness of five players, three days out from flying to Japan for the Rugby World Cup.

Jamie Ritchie (face), Blade Thomson, Jonny Gray (both hamstring), Ben Toolis and Blair Kinghorn (both concussion) were taken off during the 36-9 defeat of Georgia at Murrayfield on Saturday (NZ time). 

The injury to Ritchie appears to be the most concerning as the flanker was taken to hospital to have the damage to his face assessed. 

"Jamie went off with a facial injury. He will be going to the hospital tonight to find out the severity of that," said Townsend. "That is our most concerning injury. We hope it is not anything that will keep him out of the World Cup.

"Blair had a cut on the back of his head and had symptoms when he was getting stitched up. He will go through the [concussion] protocols. 

"Ben picked up a head injury and was removed from the field of play.

"Blade felt his hamstring tightening up, and his was more precautionary, as was Jonny who had just come back from a hamstring injury.

"Obviously the concern is if any will miss being on the plane. Jamie is the most concerning, but we hope it is good news when he comes back from his hospital visit later tonight."

Overall Scotland ran in six tries through Ali Price, Kinghorn, Sam Johnson, Darcy Graham, and brothers George and Pete Horne - the last three coming in the last 10 minutes. 

But Townsend knows his team must improve if they want to be contenders at the World Cup. 

"This week we weren't as accurate, and they had more opportunities to show what they could do," he told BBC Scotland.

"They showed a more varied game today. It was pleasing that we did put things right later on in the game and finishing with a couple of tries made it a nicer win than it probably was."

Scotland has a tough start to their World Cup campaign as they face Pool A favourites Ireland in their opening game.

Georgia open up against Wales in Pool D, which also contains Australia.

Newshub. 

Join us for live updates of the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign from September 20