Scotland make two changes for Six Nations showdown with France
Friday 11 March 2016 16:40, UK
Scotland have made two changes ahead of their Six Nations clash with France at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Glasgow Warriors No 8 Josh Strauss and centre Alex Dunbar will start their first match of the 2016 championship, with the occasion marking a first home appearance for Strauss following his debut at the World Cup last year.
Strauss switches places with club-mate Ryan Wilson, a late change against Italy for the injured David Denton, who remains sidelined with a groin injury and is the only change to the bench.
Dunbar comes in at inside-centre with Duncan Taylor moving outfield to take the place of Mark Bennett.
Scotland head coach Vern Cotter says they are expecting a difficult match against the French, who suffered their first loss in the tournament against Wales last time out.
"It's great to be back at home after a good win on the road. The players are really looking forward to putting in a top performance at Murrayfield this weekend," said Cotter.
"The win in Rome was a reward for the hard work the players have put in to the championship so far, but the hard work never stops. We must be relentless.
"We're expecting the French to by physical. They have a culture of trying to dominate their opposition. They are confrontational and will try to keep the ball alive, so we will have to put in a great defensive performance.
"They are confrontational and will try to keep the ball alive, so we will have to put in a great defensive performance."
"They also have the ability to channel their power through their set-piece, though that is a challenge our pack in particular are relishing, having put in some impressive performances of their own so far.
"We're looking forward to varying our game, holding the ball and striving to score at every opportunity. Work-rate and concentration will be key, and a sustained effort for 80 minutes will be very important."
Skipper Greig Laidlaw is in line to make his 50th international outing and is also set to equal the record held by prop David Sole with most appearances as captain with 25.
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Duncan Taylor, 12 Alex Dunbar, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Greig Laidlaw (c); 1 Alasdair Dickinson, 2 Ross Ford, 3 Willem Nel, 4 Richie Gray, 5 Jonny Gray, 6 John Barclay, 7 John Hardie, 8 Josh Strauss.
Replacements: 16 Stuart McInally, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Moray Low, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Ryan Wilson, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Peter Horne, 23 Sean Lamont.
