Pierre Schoeman starts as Scotland face France

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made five changes to his starting lineup for the upcoming Six Nations clash against France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with Pierre Schoeman returning to the front row and winger Duhan van der Merwe missing out on the matchday squad.

Pierre Schoeman Returns For Scotland Six Nations Clash

Schoeman moves into the starting XV at loosehead prop after appearing as a substitute in Scotland’s previous victory over Wales. He is joined in the front row by hooker George Turner and tighthead D’arcy Rae, who makes his first appearance of this year’s championship.

Scotland Pack Changes For France Match

Jack Dempsey returns to the starting lineup at number eight after recovering from a bicep injury sustained earlier in the tournament. His inclusion leads to positional changes in the forward pack, with Matt Fagerson shifting to blindside flanker.

Gregor Brown moves into the second row to partner Scott Cummings, while vice-captain Rory Darge continues at openside flanker after a strong performance in the previous round.

Scotland Backline Adjustments At Murrayfield

Darcy Graham starts on the right wing after equalling Scotland’s all-time men’s try-scoring record in the previous match, while Kyle Steyn switches to the left wing. Blair Kinghorn retains the full-back position.

Captain Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones continue their centre partnership, with Finn Russell and Ben White maintaining their roles as the starting half-back pairing.

The bench includes flanker Freddy Douglas, hooker Ewan Ashman and scrum-half George Horne among the replacements as Scotland prepare for a key Six Nations fixture.

Scotland XV: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Gregor Brown, 3 D’arcy Rae, 2 George Turner, 1 Pierre Schoeman

Reserves: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Grant Gilchrist, 20 Freddy Douglas, 21 Josh Bayliss, 22 George Horne, 23 Tom Jordan