Kalman summoned by Scotland

Blair believes visitors can pull off a shock result in Paris

Last updated: 12th February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kalman summoned by Scotland

Low: Left behind due to illness

With the team and squad we've got, if we get some ball, we'll be a formidable side

Scotland captain Mike Blair
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Glasgow's uncapped prop Ed Kalman will travel with the Scotland squad for Saturday's RBS Six Nations clash with France.

The 26-year-old has been drafted in after Warriors team-mate Moray Low suffered a bout of gastroenteritis on Wednesday night.

Low, who like his Warriors colleague is also yet to make his first international appearance, has been named on the bench for the clash in Paris.

As well as Kalman, Scotland coach Frank Hadden has also called on Alastair Kellock and Dan Parks to provide cover for the squad.

Hope

"Moray suffered from gastroenteritis last night so will not travel with the party today," Scotland team manager Guy Richardson said.

"The hope would be that he recovers in time to travel to Paris tomorrow."

Meanwhile, lock Nathan Hines has undergone knee surgery. The Perpignan player is expected to be sidelined for between two and five weeks.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "A small piece of cartilage was removed and Nathan will now undergo rehabilitation under the care of our physiotherapists, which usually takes between three to six weeks.

"We will monitor him accordingly."

Scotland will head to France looking to bounce back from a home defeat at the hands of Wales on the opening weekend of this year's tournament.

Hadden has named brothers Max and Thom Evans in his side to take on Les Bleus, who were beaten by Ireland at Croke Park last Saturday.

Contact

Captain Mike Blair believes the team can pull off a shock result - provided they secure good enough ball to allow their talented backs to flourish.

"This week, our contact has to improve," said the scrum-half.

"With the Evans brothers coming in - they're excellent players - I'm confident in what they can do. They play with a freedom that's great to see at international level.

"With the team and squad we've got, if we get some ball, we'll be a formidable side."