Scotland's scrumhalf worries have eased ahead of their first autumn Test against New Zealand after Rory Lawson took part in a full training session today. England, however, will have to cope without the injured Luke Narraway and Mathew Tait.

Lawson sustained rib cartilage damage playing for Gloucester nine days ago and missed the warm-weather training camp in Spain last week as a result.

However, Scotland team doctor James Robson revealed he was "improving on a daily basis" and he came through the full session at Murrayfield today.

Scotland are without experienced number nine Chris Cusiter for Saturday's clash against the All Blacks after he fractured a thumb while playing for Perpignan.

Glasgow scrumhalf Mark McMillan sustained shoulder and hip injuries in Spain after being handed a late call-up to the training squad but both he and Lawson are now expected to be fit to provide cover for captain Mike Blair.

Tait and Narraway were ruled out of England's opening Test against the Pacific Islanders after failing to overcome hamstring injuries.

New England manager Martin Johnson is due to announce his team tomorrow and Tait's absence opens the door for London Irish full-back Delon Armitage to be given a Test debut.

Narraway was one of England's outstanding players on the summer tour to New Zealand but having been ruled out  Nick Easter is set to make his return to the team.

Armitage and Easter were added to the England training squad last week as cover for Tait and Narraway, who will return to the England base on Sunday to  undergo a further medical review.

London Irish hooker David Paice has been drafted into the wider England squad as cover for Leicester's George Chuter, who has a knee injury.