Paterson lines-up for 99th Scotland cap v France

Published 2 Feb 2010 11:53 0 Comments

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SCOTLAND have made six changes in personnel from November's Test against Argentina for their opening RBS 6 Nations Championship match against France at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Introduced to the starting team are Chris Paterson, who will be winning his 99th cap at full-back; the Glasgow centre pairing Max Evans and Graeme Morrison; Gloucester loose-head prop Alasdair Dickinson; and the Glasgow flankers Kelly Brown and John Barclay.

Of those players omitted Rory Lamont and Alasdair Strokosch were discounted through injury, while Alex Grove, Allan Jacobsen and Alan MacDonald remain in the 22. Only Ben Cairns has missed out entirely.

The uncapped 20-year-old Glasgow lock, Richie Gray, wins a place on the bench after a string of committed displays during the last two months.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: "There has been improved competition for places since the Autumn Tests and selection has been based both on achievements within the autumn matches and on current form.

"France have a fantastic squad. The fact they defeated New Zealand in Dunedin last June illustrates that they can win and win well away from home.

"We are excited about the start of the Championship but we know that we have not won our first game in the competition since 2006, so all our focus is on making a winning start against France on Sunday."

Scotland team (sponsor Murray) to play France in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Murrayfield on Sunday, February 7 (kick-off 3pm):

15 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh) 98 caps, 741 points through 22 tries, 150 penalties, 86 conversions, 3 drop goals

14 Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps, 5 points through 1 try

13 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps, 5 points through 1 try

12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 18 caps, 15 points through 3 tries

11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 40 caps, 35 points through 7 tries

10 Phil Godman (Edinburgh) 20 caps, 71 points through 1 try, 12 conversions, 14 penalties

9 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN 47 caps, 15 points through 3 tries

1 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester) 13 caps

2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh) 33 caps, 10 points through 2 tries

3 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 5 caps

4 Nathan Hines (Leinster) 61 caps, 10 points through 2 tries

5 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 20 caps

6 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 30 caps, 15 points through 3 tries

8 Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps, 10 points through 2 tries

7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 13 caps, 5 points through 1 try

Replacements

16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester) 16 caps, 10 points through 2 tries

17 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh) 40 caps

18 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) uncapped

19 Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh) 1 cap

20 Rory Lawson (Gloucester) 17 caps

21 Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors) 3 caps

22 Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais) 48 caps, 40 points through 8 tries

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales). Touch-judges: Chris White (England) and Tim Hayes (Wales). Television match official: Geoff Hughes (England)

Meanwhile, four players will make their Scotland Club International debut against France at Netherdale in Galashiels on Friday (February 5, kick-off 7.30pm).

Like all Scottish Rugby youth, age-grade representative fixtures and Scotland Women matches, admission to Scotland Club International v France at Netherdale on Friday 5 February (kick-off 7.30pm) is FREE - no need for a ticket, just turn up and take your seat!

Glasgow Hawks lock, Rory McKay, Dundee prop Alan Brown and Melrose pair James King (centre) and Fraser Thomson (wing) have all earned their place in the starting XV while a further five are ready to make their debut from the bench.

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