FLANKER Ian Smith will miss the opening match of Scotland's Five Nations Championship, against Wales, after breaking his thumb while playing for Gloucester.

Smith, who has won 20 Scottish caps, had to undergo surgery to pin the broken bone and it will not be removed until the day of Wales match in two weeks' time.

Scotland are likely to cover Smith's absence by moving Murray Wallace from blindside to openside and bringing the fit-again Rob Wainwright in on the blindside.