Hardie fitness boost for Scotland

Suva - Scotland flank John Hardie has recovered from a back spasm and is available to play in Saturday's Test against Fiji in Suva. 

The Edinburgh stalwart missed Scotland's clash with Italy in Singapore earlier this month as well as last weekend's victory over Australia in Sydney. 

"It was just a bit of a problem I had with my back in the warm-up," he told Sporting Life. 

"It is one of those things. It has not happened in my career before. It was pretty disappointing, but nothing major. 

"It was frustrating. You can do all the training and that stuff but when it comes to game day, which is the most important day, these things happen. 

"It definitely makes me keener to play and if I get an opportunity this week it will be really good."

If Hardie returns to Scotland's side, he expects a tough challenge from Fiji, who have several top class players in their ranks. 

"We can all see the threat Bill Viliame Mata offers at Edinburgh and you can remember the threat Glasgow had with Leone Nakarawa. 

"I have played rugby (at the Highlanders) with Patrick Osborne who might be on the wing this weekend. He is a great player and you might have Josua Tuisova back as well. 

"We know the threat they pose individually and as a team, so we are looking forward to the challenge.

"They have world-class players mixed in there and their offloading is a big threat. They will look to play in front of their home crowd with a lot of energy, so we know what is coming and what we have to do to be on top of the game."