Bryan Redpath tore a muscle against South Africa

The Sale Sharks scrum-half - along with lock forward Nathan Hines - faces up to 12 weeks out of action after being injured during Saturday's 28-19 defeat by South Africa in Johannesburg.

A tear to Redpath's bicep muscle means that he will miss at least some of the warm-up games scheduled for August and September against Italy, Wales and Ireland.

But the Scots skipper, who originally feared a fractured elbow, maintains that the trip to Australia in October is his priority.

"You hate to get an injury at any time, but it's hugely disappointing to pick up a serious one at the end of a tour like this," he said.

It felt like an inch of skin was being torn off my arm Bryan Redpath

"The doc has said we're looking at 10-12 weeks, but I'll be able to return to training earlier than that, so I'm confident I'll be fit enough for the World Cup.

"It felt like an inch of skin was being torn off my arm.

"I felt the muscle tear as soon as I tackled the South African player and it was agony.

"I tried to get out of the way and was hit again and I knew it was gone."

Examination of Hines' shoulder revealed a severe AC joint disruption on his right side.

Hines could be able to resume within six weeks, but Scotland coach Ian McGeechan thought that a 10-12 week timescale was more likely.