Scotland make two changes in 6 Nations for France

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter has named his team to play in their Six Nations opener against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

The starting team features just two changes to that which defeated Tonga 37-12 in the final Autumn Test, and three championship debutants in Finn Russell (stand-off), Mark Bennett (centre) and Blair Cowan (back-row).

Bennett – who started the first two games in November – returns from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the third, while fellow Warrior, tight-head prop Euan Murray, steps in for Geoff Cross who starts on the bench.

A blend of experience and youth will once again orchestrate the back division as captain Greig Laidlaw – who stands one point away from scoring 300 for his country – and stand-off Russell, start their fifth Test match together.

Centre Alex Dunbar will partner Warriors teammate Bennett in midfield, in front of a potent back division of full-back Stuart Hogg, and wings Tim Visser and Tommy Seymour, who scored a try in each of the viagogo Autumn Tests.

A similarly-settled pack will also run out at the Stade de France, with Alasdair Dickinson and Ross Ford packing down with Murray in an experienced front-row that boasts 181 international caps.

Second-row brothers Richie and Jonny Gray will again form the boiler house in their fourth consecutive start for their country together, with Rob Harley, Johnnie Beattie and Cowan – man of the match against Tonga – in the back-row.

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter, said: “Seeing the passion and desire among our players in the build up to the tournament has been special.

“The players really enjoy the atmosphere of these big occasions, and the pressure of having to perform for their country, in front of huge crowds.

“They’re looking forward to getting out there.”

He added: “France will be tough. They played well in the autumn series but remain frustrated with past results in the RBS 6 Nations.

“They will be very difficult to contain so we’ll have to stay tight as a unit, work hard for each other and try to apply some pressure.

“It’ll be a very tough start to the championship, but we’re looking forward to that challenge.”

Scotland’s remaining changes appear on the bench, with 57-times capped lock Jim Hamilton coming in for Kieran Low, while the back replacements are all changed to feature uncapped Edinburgh Rugby scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Dougie Fife and Peter Horne.

Hidalgo-Clyne and Horne are among a further four potential tournament debutants, with hooker Fraser Brown and loose-head prop Gordon Reid also in-line to make their first outing in the world’s greatest championship.

Backs Sean Lamont, Henry Pyrgos and Matt Scott were not considered for the match having been unable to recover from calf, knee and shoulder injuries sustained in training.

Adam Ashe (neck), Chris Cusiter (knee), Chris Fusaro (ankle), Grant Gilchrist (arm), Tyrone Holmes (face), Ruaridh Jackson (knee), Sean Lamont (calf), Henry Pyrgos (knee), Matt Scott (shoulder), Tim Swinson (calf), Duncan Taylor (hamstring), Duncan Weir (arm) were all not considered for selection due to injury.

Scotland

15 Stuart Hogg ,14 Tommy Seymour , 13 Mark Bennett , 12 Alex Dunbar , 11 Tim Visserm, 10 Finn Russell , 9 Greig Laidlaw (c),8 Johnnie Beattie , 7 Blair Cowan , 6 Rob Harley , 5 Jonny Gray , 4 Richie Gray , 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford ,1 Alasdair Dickinson

Replacements : 16 Fraser Brown , 17 Gordon Reid , 18 Geoff Cross , 19 Jim Hamilton , 20 Alasdair Strokosch , 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne , 22 Peter Horne , 23 Dougie Fife