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France welcomes Cameron Woki into the second row, replacing Paul Willemse – banned after his red card v Ireland. Louis Bielle-Biarrey replaces Yoram Moefana on the wing.
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SCOTLAND Harry Paterson; Kyle Rowe, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell (co-capt), Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge (co-capt), Jack Dempsey.
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Replacements 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Elliot Millar-Mills, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Andy Christie, 21 George Horne, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Cam Redpath.
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FRANCE Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu; Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Paul Gabrillagues, François Cros, Charles Ollivon, Grégory Alldritt (capt).
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Replacements 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Sébastien Taofifénua, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Posolo Tuilagi, 20 Alexandre Roumat, 21 Paul Boudehent, 22 Nolann le Garrec, 23 Yoram Moefana.
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In the words of Joey “The Lips” Fagan, “I believe in starts. Once you have the start, the rest is inevitable”.
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That was certainly the mood in the Scotland camp at this point a year ago and Townsend’s men will want to repeat back to back opening wins this time around (as well as working on the inevitable bit, obviously). The opening win over Wales was somehow simultaneously more and less convincing than the 35-7 walloping they dished out in 2023. However, repelling that resurgent second-half from Wales will serve them well; France roll into Edinburgh to restore some dignity and haul themselves off zero points and the foot of the table.
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Les Bleus won on their previous visit to Murrayfield as part of their march to the 2022 Grand Slam. It is fair to point out that today’s squad is some way short of that imperious state in terms of personnel and form, but even with that they surely cannot play as poorly as they did v Ireland.
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Scotland will recall that it was the France match 12 months back that derailed that start they were so keen to believe in. This is the test they must pass before they welcome England in a fortnight.
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important events
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team
Gregor Townsend has removed Jamie Ritchie from the squad and replaced vice-captain Rory Darge in the back row. Luke Crosby and Richie Gray are absent due to injury.
France brought in Cameron Woki in the second row to replace Paul Willemse, who was suspended after receiving a red card against Ireland. Louis Vier Bialley replaced Yoram Moefana on the wing.
Scotland Harry Patterson. Kyle Lowe, Hugh Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duane van der Merwe, Finn Russell (vice-captain), Ben White. Pierre Schuman, George Turner, Xander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge (vice captain), Jack Dempsey.
replacement 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Elliott Miller-Mills, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Andy Christie, 21 George Horne, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Cam Redpath.
France Thomas Ramos Damien Penaud, Gaël Ficou, Jonathan Danti, Louis Viel-Bialley; Mathieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucque. Cyril Baille, Pete Mauvaka, Wini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Paul Gabriag, François Clos, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Aldritt (Capt.).
replacement 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Dorian Aldegueri, 19 Posoro Tuirangi, 20 Alexandre Luma, 21 Paul Boudéin, 22 Nolan Le Garrec, 23 Yoram Moefana.
preamble
In the words of Joey “The Lips” Fagan, “I believe in starting. Once you get started, the rest is inevitable. ”
That was certainly the mood in the Scottish camp at this time a year ago, and Townsend’s side will be hoping to repeat their opening-game winning streak this time around (while also working on the inevitable, of course).The opening game win against Wales was somehow even better at the same time and Not as convincing as their 35-7 debacle in 2023. However, it would be a positive for them if they can fend off Wales’ attack, which came back in the second half. France go into Edinburgh hoping to regain some dignity and move out of the bottom of the table with zero points.
Les Bleus He won the last time he visited Murrayfield as part of his march to the 2022 Grand Slam. It’s fair to point out that today’s team is far from that powerhouse in terms of personnel and player depth, but they still won’t play as badly as they did against Ireland.
Scotland will remember that it was the game against France 12 months ago that derailed what they hoped would be a start. This is a test they must pass before facing England in two weeks’ time.
