Scotland hooker Stuart McInally

Scotland attempt to end France’s Grand Slam

host as they attempt to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against in round three of the Guinness .

's side beat 20-17 on the opening day, but were beaten in by exactly the same scoreline to end their Grand Slam hopes.

France travel to Murrayfield as the only side who still have a possibility of winning the slam, after home victories against Italy and in the opening two rounds.

France fly-half Romain Ntamack
, FRANCE – OCTOBER 24: Romain Ntamack of France during the rugby test match between France and Wales at Stade de France on October 24, 2020 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)

Win here, and they will be widely tipped to claim a first Grand Slam since 2010, and extend Scotland's wait to win a first title since 1999 for another year.

But if Scotland are able to earn a victory, they will be right back in contention for the title, and have bolstered their squad with three changes.

In the back row, Magnus Bradbury replaces the injured Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge makes a first start for his country, with coach Townsend praising the 22-year-old, who made his debut off the bench last time out.

Gregor Townsend

He said: “I've been really impressed with how he's conducted himself in our group, how well he's integrated to the squad and the level of his training.

“But really it's his performances with that have got him into this position, he's had a very good season and we all thought he looked dangerous when he came on against Wales.”

The final of the three changes sees Zander Fagerson come in for WP Nel, who drops to the bench, as Scotland opt for an unchanged backline.

In-form France keep their team largely the same for this encounter, with Jonathan Danty returning to the starting lineup in place of the injured Gabin Villiere for the only change to the side that beat Ireland.

France also have an unchanged bench, again going for a 6-2 split of forwards and backs amongst their substitutes.

Written by Nick Powell

Leave a Comment