France v Scotland, Stade de France, Saturday, 5pm
Scotland will hand Six Nations debuts to Finn Russell, Mark Bennett and Blair Cowan for their opening game against France in Paris on Saturday.
Glasgow Warriors duo Russell and Bennett, who started Scotland’s first two autumn internationals, will start at outhalf and centre respectively, while London Irish’s Cowan comes into the backrow.
Head coach Vern Cotter made only two changes from the team that beat Tonga in their last Test in November, with prop Euan Murray returning to the team with Bennett.
“Seeing the passion and desire among our players in the build-up to the tournament has been special,” Cotter said at the squad announcement on Thursday. “The players really enjoy the atmosphere of these big occasions, and the pressure of having to perform for their country, in front of huge crowds. They’re looking forward to getting out there.”
SCOTLAND (v France, Paris, Saturday): S Hogg; T Seymour, M Bennett, A Dunbar, T Visser; F Russell, G Laidlaw (capt); A Dickinson, R Ford, E Murray, R Gray, J Gray, R Harley, B Cowan, J Beattie. Replacements: F Brown, G Reid, G Cross, J Hamilton, A Strokosch, S Hidalgo-Clyne, P Horne, D Fife.
