Chris Paterson, Ally Hogg, Ben Cairns and Scott MacLeod all have realistic claims for a starting place in the next round of RBS 6 Nations matches.

Utility back Paterson was a replacement in the defeat by France last Saturday, while back-rower Hogg and centre Cairns were dropped from the squad after starting the opening-weekend loss to Wales.

Strangely enough, second rower MacLeod may well have the best chance of playing his way into contention for the Murrayfield clash with Italy next weekend - despite only being in the A team last Saturday.

Nathan Hines, arguably Scotland's most important forward, may miss the whole of the RBS 6 Nations with a knee while Jim Hamilton was injured in Paris and is doubtful for the game with the Azzurri. Scott Murray is seemingly out of Hadden's plans and Ally Kellock appears to be considered only a squad player.

That opens the way for MacLeod, outstanding in last year's RBS 6 Nations, to play his way into the squad in a much-needed outing for Edinburgh this weekend.

The former Borders lock is in need of some game time after a stop-start season with Llanelli Scarlets prior to his move home to Edinburgh last month.