France v Scotland: Teams

Part-timer Gavin Cowan has been selected in Scotland's starting line-up for their Pool B opener against France on Sunday.

The 21-year-old centre plays for Balmain Ryde, Wests Tigers' feeder club, and works full-time as a financial assistant for NRL champions Manly Sea Eagles.

"I did know Scotland were in the World Cup but I never dreamt of being involved," said Cowan, who qualifies through his Scottish grandparents on both sides of the family.

"When Steve (McCormack, coach) read my name out in the team, I had to ask the bloke next to me if I was in.

"It is scary to think that someone like me is competing with the guys who are going to be out on the field on Sunday. It will be a massive test for me.

"It is all about being in the right place at the right time. If someone gives you an opportunity, you have got to take it.

"I've been luck enough to get the chance to represent the country of my heritage. I am very, very happy."

Professional

McCormack commented: "The key to me is that everyone started with a clean sweep when we went into camp.

"Gavin has gone about his job in a quiet professional manner and fully deserves his selection in the team."

All three Henderson brothers are set to play together for the first time after being named in McCormack's match-day squad.

Hooker Ian, 25, who used to play for Bradford but is now with New Zealand Warriors, and Wakefield centre Kevin, 27, are in the starting line-up while Castleford hooker or half-back Andrew, 29, is on the bench.

The Hendersons, who were born in Torquay and have a Glasgow-born father, are the second set of three brothers involved in the World Cup.

Eddie, Mickey and Lopini Paea are all in Tonga's squad, while the Walters brothers - Kevin, Steve and Kerrod - represented Australia during the Kangaroos tour of England in 1992.

Ian Henderson is one of four Australia-based players in a Scottish team that also contains seven engage Super League representatives.

France have included nine current and three former Catalans Dragons players in their team, including three-quarters Justin Murphy and John Wilson, who qualify through residence.

Scotland: M Robertson (Manly); D Colton (Doncaster), G Cowan (Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers), K Henderson (Wakefield), J Steel (Hull KR); J Duffy (Widnes), D Brough (Wakefield, capt); S Logan (Canberra), I Henderson (New Zealand Warriors), P Jackson (Huddersfield), I Morrison (Widnes), D MacGillivray (Wakefield), L Patterson (Widnes)
Replacements: O Wilkes (Wakefield), C Armit (Canterbury), M Nanyn (Oldham), A Henderson (Castleford)

France: (Catalans players unless stated) J Taylor (Lezignan); J Murphy, J Wilson, S Raguin, T Sadaoui (Carcassonne); T Bosc, M Greseque (Pia); A Fellous (Lezignan), J Rinaldi (Harlequins), O Elima, J Guisset (capt), E Anselme (Leeds), G Mounis
Replacements: J Wynne (Lezignan), R Casty, J Fakir, C Moly (Carcassonne)