But he missed Scotland’s final training session with a stomach bug and Nathan Hines is on stand-by to fill in with Richie Vernon and Kelly Brown swapping roles in the pack.

Edinburgh’s Scott MacLeod has also been called into the squad as a precaution but Steadman said: “He has been a big player for us, so hopefully he will make it.

“He is improving, but we will give him until the eleventh hour to prove his fitness for us.”

Meanwhile coach Andy Robinson backed MacLeod to deliver if he is called into action.

He said: “As a precaution we have drafted Edinburgh lock Scott MacLeod to our squad and he trained with us today, having also worked with us earlier in the week.

“Scott gave a quality performance in Scotland A's victory over Ireland A at Netherdale last month and we would have no qualms if he is.”