Townsend returns to Scotland line-up

Gregor Townsend has returned to the Scotland starting line-up for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship match with France.

After kicking off their campaign with a 36-6 defeat to Ireland at Murrayfield, coach Ian McGeechan has rung the changes, picking the Borders man at centre alongside Kevin Utterson.

“I’m trying all the tactical options,” said McGeechan.

“Greg remains an important element for the team but I wanted to try him at centre.

“Some of these changes are purely tactical. We looked at what happened against Ireland and tried to make some changes in midfield.”

The other significant change is the introduction of Brendan Laney at fly-half as replacement for Leeds’ Gordon Ross, who had a torrid time against the Irish.

“Last week we got only six points – not good at all for us,” added McGeechan.

“We had opportunities but didn’t seize them. On Sunday against France we must keep the scoreboard moving.”

A trip to Paris to play a French team still smarting from their 25-17 reverse to England is not the best medicine for a side looking to lift their own confidence.

And the size of the task is readily acknowledged by McGeechan.

“France are tactically and technically the best side in the northern hemisphere,” said the coach.

“England had to play very well last week to beat them. Against England they made mistakes but the English side, who have the best defence in the world, had to be outstanding and they were.”