three changes in home pack

CO-CAPTAIN Rory Darge, fellow back-rower Jack Dempsey and second-row Grant Gilchrist have been added to the Scotland pack for Saturday’s Six Nations round two clash against France at Murrayfield, as Gregor Townsend’s side look to back-up last weekend’s roller-coaster win over Wales.

That triumvirate take the place of injured pair Luke Crosbie and Richie Gray, while former captain Jamie Ritchie drops out of the match-day squad.

Gilchrist was unavailable for the Wales match due to suspension, while that game came just a few days too early for Darge as he returned from a knee injury. Dempsey was a replacement at the Principality Stadium and his place on the bench is taken by the in-form Andy Christie of Saracens.

Pennypit spirit wins through as Preston Lodge win National Three title

Six Nations: Grant Gilchrist believes Cardiff disappointment will fuel Scotland for France clash

Scotland Under-20s make two changes for Friday-night France clash

Townsend has opted for same again across his backline, as Scotland look to build on last weekend’s victory with close to an 80 minute performance against a France side who suffered a heavy opening weekend defeat to Ireland in Marseille.

More to follow …

Scotland (versus France at Murrayfield Stadium, Saturday, 2.15pm): K Rowe; K Steyn, H Jones, S Tuipulotu, D van der Merwe; F Russell (c), B White; P Schoeman, G Turner, Z Fagerson, G Gilchrist, S Cummings, M Fagerson, R Darge, J Dempsey Substitutes: E Ashman, A Hepburn, E Millar-Mills, S Skinner, A Christie, G Horne, B Healy, C Redpath.

France: T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, J Danty, L Bielle-Biarrey; M Jalibert, M Lucu; C Baille, P Mauvaka, U Antonio, C Woki, P Gabrillagues, F Cros, C Ollivon, G Alldritt. Substitutes: J Marchand, S Taofifenua, D Aldegheri, P Tuilagi, A Roumat, P Boudehent, N Le Garrec, Y Moefana.

Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)

Scotland Under-20s make two changes for Friday-night France clash