Robinson goes for form players

ANDY ROBINSON has plumped for the players in form for Scotland’s Six Nations opener against France.

Head coach Robinson made six changes to the side beaten by Argentina in November’s final autumn international, including recalling four Glasgow stars.

Warriors players now account for more than half the team, a reflection on their current standing as Magners League leaders.

The quartet drafted in for Sunday’s game at Murrayfield were centres Max Evans and Graeme Morrison, and flankers Kelly Brown and John Barclay.

Fit-again Gloucester prop Alasdair Dickinson was also handed his first start under Robinson, as was Scotland’s record points scorer and most capped player, Chris Paterson, who will play for his country for the 99th time.

Paterson got the nod after full-back Rory Lamont was ruled out with an ankle injury yesterday, with Brown benefiting from Alasdair Strokosch’s own ankle problem.

“We looked at the balance of the side and some of the tactics we’ll use going into the game,” Robinson said. “Young Dickinson playing at loosehead is getting his first (Scotland) start of the season. I’ve been pleased with the way that he’s come back and played for Gloucester – good ball carrier. I’m looking forward to seeing how he delivers in the game.

“Also, Kelly Brown has played well since the autumn when he didn’t get selected and he was frustrated about that.

“He’s gone back to Glasgow and, after a number of man-of-the-match performances, has worked his way back into the team.”

With the Glasgow presence so pronounced, the only real surprise was the omission of fly-halves Dan Parks and Ruaridh Jackson from the matchday 22.

nBiarritz lock Jerome Thion has been cleared of striking Glasgow counterpart Richie Gray. Thion was cited following the Heineken Cup pool clash between the two sides on January 24, with citing commissioner John Byett sending the player to an independent disciplinary hearing for an alleged punch/strike on Gray. However, after the hearing in Dublin, independent judicial officer Mark McParland found Thion not guilty.