RING RUST

Sam: Springboks out-punched us but we'll come out swinging on Sunday

- DAVID BARNES

SAM SKINNER admits Scotland were out-punched in their World Cup opener against South Africa 11 days ago.

But he's promised they are ready to get up off the ropes and come out swinging against Tonga on Sunday.

Skinner said: "Everyone has a plan until they're punched in the face.

"We did have a plan, it was a good plan and we stuck to it - we just didn't get to throw our shots as much as we would have liked to.

"It felt like we were fighting against a heavyweight boxer, we were a bit lighter weight and they just stuck their weight on us and put their game plan into action.