Williams explains changes

Scotland head coach Matt Williams has made three changes to his side for the RBS 6 Nations game against France on Sunday.

Derrick Lee returns to the side for the first time in two-and-a-half years as he replaces Ben Hinshelwood at full-back.

Centre Brendan Laney drops to the bench in favour of Andrew Henderson, who wins his 18th cap.

But Williams has been boosted by the return to fitness of Cameron Mather, who returns in place of Allister Hogg at openside flanker.

But Williams has resisted the temptation to move captain Chris Paterson from his stand-off position for Dan Parks, who will start the game at Murrayfield on the bench.

However, the Scotland boss has stressed the changes to the team are not a result of ‘pointing the finger’ at players for the embarrassing defeat in Italy a fortnight ago.

Williams said: “Derrick has earned his spot. He’s been in great form for his pro-team and he’s been with us in the squad pretty much right through the championship.

“Andy Henderson has also earned his opportunity through performance, while I’m delighted that Cammie Mather is fit again after his ankle injury sustained against England.”

Scotland team to play France in the RBS 6 Nations on Sunday:

D Lee (Edinburgh); S Danielli (Bath), T Philip (Edinburgh), A Henderson (Glasgow), S Webster (Edinburgh); C Paterson (Edinburgh, capt); C Cusiter (Borders), A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), G Bulloch (Glasgow), B Douglas (Borders), S Murray (Edinburgh), S Grimes (Newcastle), J White (Sharks), S Taylor (Edinburgh), C Mather (Glasgow).

Replacements: R Russell (Saracens), G Kerr (Leeds), N Hines (Edinburgh), A Hogg (Edinburgh), M Blair (Edinburgh), B Laney (Edinburgh), D Parks (Glasgow).