Scotland attempt to end France’s Grand Slam
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 08: Stuart McInally of Scotland touches down for the third try during the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and France at Murrayfield on March 08, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Scotland host France as they attempt to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against Wales in round three of the Guinness Six Nations.
Gregor Townsend‘s side beat England 20-17 on the opening day, but were beaten in Cardiff by exactly the same scoreline to end their Grand Slam hopes.
France travel to Murrayfield as the only side who still have a possibility of winning the slam, after home victories against Italy and Ireland in the opening two rounds.
Win here, and they will be widely tipped to claim a first Grand Slam since 2010, and extend Scotland’s wait to win a first title since 1999 for another year.
But if Scotland are able to earn a victory, they will be right back in contention for the title, and have bolstered their squad with three changes.
In the back row, Magnus Bradbury replaces the injured Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge makes a first start for his country, with coach Townsend praising the 22-year-old, who made his debut off the bench last time out.
He said: “I’ve been really impressed with how he’s conducted himself in our group, how well he’s integrated to the squad and the level of his training.
“But really it’s his performances with Glasgow that have got him into this position, he’s had a very good season and we all thought he looked dangerous when he came on against Wales.”
The final of the three changes sees Zander Fagerson come in for WP Nel, who drops to the bench, as Scotland opt for an unchanged backline.
In-form France keep their team largely the same for this encounter, with Jonathan Danty returning to the starting lineup in place of the injured Gabin Villiere for the only change to the side that beat Ireland.
France also have an unchanged bench, again going for a 6-2 split of forwards and backs amongst their substitutes.
Written by Nick Powell
