We must be ruthless: Scotland's Robinson

Scotland go in search of a first RBS 6 Nations win over France in Paris tonight with head coach Andy Robinson unfazed by history and focused on nothing other than victory.

The Scots’ only previous win in the Stade de France came as they won the final Five Nations Championship in 1999 and they have just two victories in 42 years in the French capital.

The recent history and Scotland’s dearth of tries – they have three from their last six Tests, five of which were wins – do not concern Robinson as Scotland seek victory on the tournament’s opening weekend for the first time since 2006.

“It’s important we score more points than the opposition and however we do that I don’t care,” Robinson said.

“Something that we need to improve on in our side is that ruthlessness that when we get chances to take them.

“Whether that’s three points, six points or building through scoring tries, we’ve got to make sure we’re doing well with the ball in hand.

“We focus on what our performance is about; we can’t control what’s happened over the last 12 years. There’s been a lot of talking taking place and what’s key for us now is for us to get out and perform.”

Vice-captain Rory Lawson, who was skipper when Scotland beat world champions South Africa in November, is in confident mood, although wary of a France side looking to respond from three losses in their last five Tests.

Lawson pinpointed the forward battle as key for Scotland and has taken confidence from recent displays.

The Gloucester scrum-half said: “Our pack has shown over the last 12 months with performances against the Argentinians, South Africans – teams that are renowned for a big forward pack – that they can match them, they can challenge them and we’re looking for that again.

“That will set the foundations and off the back of it we’re looking to play some rugby and put the French under pressure.”

The return of Alastair Kellock as captain should aid the forward effort.

The Glasgow Warriors second row missed the autumn internationals following knee surgery after leading Scotland to their first southern hemisphere Test series win in Argentina last June.

Kellock’s inclusion led to a reshuffle in the pack, with Nathan Hines moving to blindside flanker alongside Kelly Brown at number eight.

Nick De Luca replaces the injured Graeme Morrison at inside centre, while Max Evans begins on the left wing in place of Sean Lamont.