Flanker and co-captain Rory Darge, returning from injury, finds a starting place in the Scotland XV which will host the Blues on Saturday (3:15 p.m.) in Edinburgh, during the second day of the Six Nations Tournament.
The 23-year-old flanker has not played since suffering a knee injury with Glasgow on December 30. He takes the No.7 worn last weekend against Wales (27-26) by Jamies Ritchie, not selected against the French.
Darge’s return comes at just the right time for Gregor Townsend, who is without flanker Luke Crosbie, second row Richie Gray, winger Darcy Graham and fullback Blair Kinghorn, all injured.
To replace Gray (biceps), out for the rest of the Tournament, the coach bet on Grant Gilchrist. The 33-year-old second row was suspended in Cardiff, where Scotland won their first victory in 22 years on Saturday to open the competition.
No change, however, at the backs. The hinge formed by Finn Russell, co-captain at the opening, and scrum half Ben White is notably renewed.
In Edinburgh, the French inclined during the three previous trips (2016, 2018 and 2020).
The big disappointments of the last World Cup at home (elimination in the quarters) began the 2024 edition of the Tournament with a heavy 38-17 defeat in Marseille against Ireland, outgoing champion and main favorite.
Scotland’s line-up against France: Rowe – Steyn, H. Jones, Tuipulotu, van der Merwe – (o) Russell (cap.), (m) Ben White – Darge, Dempsey, M. Fagerson – Cumings, Gilchrist – Z. Fagerson, Turner, Schoeman.
Remplaçants : Ashman, Hepburn, Millar-Mills, Skinner, Christie, Horne, Healy, Redpath.
