Underfire Robinson changes four
Underfire Scotland coach Andy Robinson has made four changes in personnel for Sunday’s crucial Six Nations clash with France at Murrayfield.
Scotland have yet to get off the mark this season, kicking-off with a bitterly disappointing home defeat against England earlier this month before being comfortably beaten by Wales in Cardiff two weeks ago.
Robinson has handed a first Test to Stuart Hogg at fullback, while Glasgow Warriors’ John Barclay has been recalled to the blindside with Graeme Morrison returning at centre.
“Stuart Hogg did well off the bench in Cardiff, stood out in the A team victory over England Saxons and has been one of Glasgow’s most consistent performers this season. He fully deserves his first start,” Robinson said.
“Graeme Morrison has worked hard back at Glasgow and captained the team in their games against Scarlets and Connacht.
“He is a good ball-carrier and has something to prove on his return to the Scotland team,” added Robinson.
Mike Blair returns at scrumhalf while Sean Lamont moves to outside centre with brother Rory, who started as fullback in both previous games, slotting over to the right wing as Scotland chase a first victory over France since 2006.
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Rory Lamont, 13 Sean Lamont, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Lee Jones, 10 Greig Laidlaw, 9 Mike Blair, 8 David Denton, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 John Barclay, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford (captain), 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Ed Kalman, 18 Alastair Kellock, 19 Richie Vernon, 20 Chris Cusiter, 21 Duncan Weir, 22 Nick De Luca.
Date: Sunday, February 26
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
TMO: Geoff Warren (England)
AFP
