Chris Paterson to win 99th cap for Scotland
Chris Patterson, Scotland
Chris Paterson will play his 99th match for Scotland on Sunday after being recalled to the side for their Six Nations opener against France at Murrayfield.
Scotland’s most capped player is one of six changes to the starting line-up that played Argentina in November.
Other changes include Glasgow centre pairing Max Evans and Graeme Morrison, Gloucester prop Alasdair Dickinson and Glasgow flankers Kelly Brown and John Barclay. Uncapped Glasgow lock Richie Gray is on the bench.
“There has been improved competition for places since the autumn tests and selection has been based both on achievements within the autumn matches and on current form,” Robinson said.
“France have a fantastic squad. The fact they defeated New Zealand in Dunedin last June illustrates that they can win and win well away from home.”
Of the players left out, Rory Lamont and Alasdair Strokosch were injured while Alex Grove, Allan Jacobsen and Alan MacDonald remain in Robinson’s 22-man squad.
“We are excited about the start of the Championship but we know that we have not won our first game in the competition since 2006, so all our focus is on making a winning start against France on Sunday,” Robinson said.
Team: 15-Chris Paterson, 14-Thom Evans, 13-Max Evans, 12-Graeme Morrison, 11-Sean Lamont, 10-Phil Godman, 9-Chris Cusiter (captain), 8-Johnnie Beattie, 7-John Barclay, 6-Kelly Brown, 5-Alastair Kellock, 4-Nathan Hines, 3-Moray Low, 2-Ross Ford, 1-Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16-Scott Lawson, 17-Allan Jacobsen, 18-Richie Gray, 19-Alan MacDonald, 20-Rory Lawson, 21-Alex Grove, 22-Hugo Southwell.
[Information from Superrugby.co.za]
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