Scots face major test in Paris

Scotland went in search of a first RBS 6 Nations win over reigning Grand Slam champions France in Paris with Alastair Kellock restored as captain.

The Glasgow Warriors skipper missed the autumn internationals following knee surgery but was fit again as head coach Andy Robinson made three personnel changes and two positional switches from the side which defeated Samoa in November for a fifth win in six Tests.

Nathan Hines started at blindside flanker with Kelly Brown at number eight, Richie Vernon dropping to the bench, while Nick De Luca replaced the injured Graeme Morrison at centre and Max Evans began on the left wing.

Scotland last won in Paris on the way to victory in the final Five Nations Championship in 1999 and in 11 previous Six Nations, Scotland had won their opening game just once – their most recent defeat of France, at Murrayfield in 2006.

France coach Marc Lievremont made five changes from the side defeated 59-16 by Australia last November, with Julien Bonnaire – the only member of Les Bleus’ starting line-up to have previously experienced defeat against Scotland – and Imanol Harinordoquy returning in the back row.

Francois Trinh-Duc partnered Morgan Parra at half-back, with Maxime Mermoz alongside Aurelien Rougerie at centre, Maxime Medard on the left wing and Damien Traille at full-back.