Brown back as Scotland shuffle pack for France

04 March 2014 12:16

Scotland captain Kelly Brown has been recalled to the team that will tackle France in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday, head coach Scott Johnson announced on Tuesday.

The Saracens flanker was overlooked for Scotland's last two games -- a 20-0 home loss to England and a last-gasp 21-20 victory over in Italy in Rome -- but returns for his side's final home game of the tournament.

Brown replaces Glasgow's Chris Fusaro, while Geoff Cross and David Denton also come into the pack in place of Moray Low and Ryan Wilson.

Explaining the changes to his pack, Johnson said: "I think Saturday is a game that will really suit Kelly. Unlike other sides in the competition, France play above the ground a bit and there will be a lot of mauling.

"I think the pitch suits Kelly too and I've picked a side that can win the game and that's most important.

"The other back-row change is slightly enforced as Ryan Wilson has not been well at the start of this week with a tonsillitis bug.

"It was important we were not hampered in our training, so Dents (Denton) comes straight in. Geoff did really well when he came on against Italy and it's right that he should start this week."

Fusaro and tighthead prop Low were both left out of the match-day squad, while Wilson was named on the bench.

Johnson has kept faith with the backs that started in the dramatic defeat of Italy, which was secured by a drop-goal from Duncan Weir 10 seconds from time.

Beaten 27-6 by Wales in their last game, France have a number of injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game, but Johnson believes that they have the strength in depth to cope.

"Whatever side France put out will be a good one," he said. "They have proven over the years that they are a great rugby nation so whatever side comes to Edinburgh, we know we'll have to be at our best."

France are currently level on four points with Ireland, England and Wales in the Six Nations standings, with Scotland two points back in fifth place.

Scotland team announced on Tuesday to play France in the Six Nations at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday (1700 GMT kick-off):

Scotland (15-1)

Stuart Hogg; Tommy Seymour, Alex Dunbar, Matt Scott, Sean Lamont; Duncan Weir, Greig Laidlaw; David Denton, Kelly Brown (capt), Johnnie Beattie; Jim Hamilton, Richie Gray; Geoff Cross, Scott Lawson, Ryan Grant

Replacements: Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson, Euan Murray, Tim Swinson, Ryan Wilson, Chris Cusiter, Duncan Taylor, Max Evans

Source: AFP