Grimes last night failed in his attempts to overturn a two-match suspension, imposed for ''trampling'' on Wallabies number eight David Lyons in the first Test, opening the way for Fullarton to make his first start for Scotland in four years.

The decision of the International Rugby Board's Appeals Committee was met with anger and disappointment by the Scotland camp, with coach Matt Williams criticising it as ''inconsistent with the laws of the game''.

But Grimes' suspension and the inclusion of Fullarton in the side means Saturday will be a red letter day for Newcastle's Craig Hamilton, who is in the Scotland Test squad for the first time.

Spending most of the week not knowing quite whether he was on the bench or in the side has made it a tricky time for Fullarton, who was disappointed for Grimes but relieved to be back in the starting XV for the first time since the second Test against July on the summer tour of 2000.

"I had to prepare as if I was playing and I decided if Stuart had been cleared I'd have dropped back to the bench and been delighted for him, but it does help knowing now that I am definitely starting,'' said Fullarton, who has followed coach Steve Diamond from Sale to Saracens.

"It is different starting to coming off the bench and I am really looking forward to it. There is a certain amount of pressure there because Stuart has been playing well and I have got to come in and help the guys build on last week.

"It's a great opportunity for me to stake a claim because the only time I have started for Scotland before was against New Zealand on the 2000 tour.

"Obviously, I'd have preferred to play more but that is the way it goes and I am just glad to have this chance now and be looking forward to Saturday.''

Hamilton might not have been in the squad at all had it not been for Grimes, his Newcastle team-mate, whose phone call from a Scotland training camp saved the day and sparked a dream.

Williams had sent Hamilton an invitation to travel to north of the border and join in a pre-tour training camp - only the 24-year-old had moved house, failed to receive the letter and never showed up.

But a phone call from Grimes alerted Hamilton and he arrived in time for the second and final day's training, made a suitable impression and won a place on the tour.

Since then, under the expert tutelage of Todd Blackadder, the Dumfries-born 24-year-old has gone from strength to strength and now stands the chance to win his debut Test cap.

"I haven't really thought about it yet. I am sure it will hit me soon enough,'' reacted Hamilton immediately after hearing the news.

"I was trying to put it to the back of my mind. I am sure it will come to the front of my mind and I'll probably not get to sleep tonight. I'm pretty excited now.

"I thought they would overturn Grimes' suspension because I didn't think the incident was that bad. I have got my chance now and I'll do my best if I get on.''

Hamilton has made 36 appearances for Newcastle, whom he joined as an ambitious academy recruit, including 10 starts last season, and is hoping to forge a long-term partnership with Grimes at Kingston Park.

"My main goal has been to play for Scotland and it would be a dream come true,'' he said.

"Going to Newcastle has been a good move for me because there are so many great second rowers - we had Doddie Weir, Stuart Grimes, Mark Andrew and Garath Archer.

I've learned a lot off all those guys, they are all world class players.

"I didn't expect to be on this tour. I got called up late on and have been playing OK over here. I feel my career is beginning to take off now.''