Scottish Rugby

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Image source, Getty Images

France might have four changes for this game but they're reverting to the starting line-up that took Ireland to the cleaners on that opening Thursday night.

Theo Attisogbe is 21, Nicolas Depoortere is 23, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is 22 and Oscar Jegou is 22. Baby-faced assassins.

Bielle-Biarrey is out of of this world. He's scored in his past eight Six Nations games.

Imagine having such strength that you can leave Thibaud Flament, one of the world's best locks in my view, on the bench while leaving out Damian Penaud, Gregory Alldritt and Cameron Woki and many others altogether.

France are dripping with world class. What a test for Scotland. They must be relishing it. It doesn't get much bigger than this.

France have not trailed for a solitary second in any of their three games so far. To say they have a tendency to fly out of the traps is a bit of an understatement.

They've scored tries in minutes one, two, four, 10 and 15. Maybe they'll get spooked if they have to play catch-up, but none of Ireland, Wales or Italy have come anywhere close to finding out.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jack Dempsey being fit to start is huge for Scotland. He is their biggest, most effective ball carrier and his punch will be vital in taking the fight to the French.

Zander Fagerson dropping to the bench is a surprise, but not a shock. He has been well off his best so far in this Six Nations and the Scottish scrum has been a problem.

D'Arcy Rae performed well when called upon against the All Blacks in November and he'll need another big performance to help Scotland get parity at set-piece.

It'll be a big day too for Freddy Douglas. The Edinburgh back-row is set to make his Six Nations debut off the bench and Gregor Townsend will hope his exceptional skills at the breakdown can disrupt the French attack.

Townsend has often been criticised for failing to use his replacements or not going to his bench early enough in games, but he got that side of the game spot on against Wales.

He hauled off Max Williamson and Nathan McBeth on 35 minutes in Cardiff, acknowledging his starting XV was struggling.

Pierre Schoeman and Josh Bayliss had a big impact, as did the likes of George Horne and Tom Jordan later.

The bench impact will be crucial on Saturday. Scotland fans might be best advised not to look at some of the weapons France will be calling upon, but Scotland have some good options to deploy too.

Ewan Ashman's carrying will be valuable in the closing stages, Zander Fagerson should have a point to prove having been demoted, while it will be fascinating to see what young Douglas can do in his specialist area at the breakdown.

The key for Scotland is to still be in the game when these guys enter the fray.

Scotland will start without Zander Fagerson for the first time in 17 Six Nations games when they host France at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Tighthead prop D'Arcy Rae replaces Fagerson, who drops to the bench, while Jack Dempsey returns from injury at number eight and winger Darcy Graham is in for a first start of the 2026 tournament.

What do you make of Gregor Townsend's selection choices? Can Scotland end Les Bleus' unbeaten run and kept their own title hopes intact?

Share your thoughts here.

Scotland: Kinghorn, Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn, Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Rae, Brown, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist, Douglas, Bayliss, Horne, Jordan.

Image source, PA Media

Unbeaten France have made four personnel changes to their line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match with Scotland at Murrayfield.

Thomas Ramos shifts from fly-half to full-back to replace Theo Attissogbe, who is moved to the wing with Gael Drean dropping out.

Matthieu Jalibert takes over from Ramos at fly-half while Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere form a new centre partnership in place of Fabien Brau-Boirie and Emilien Gailleton.

Lock Charles Ollivon coming in for Thibaud Flament is the only change in the pack.

Flament is the only one of the four players dropping out to make the bench.

Fabien Galthie's Grand Slam contenders side have recorded bonus-point wins over Ireland, Wales and Italy and finish at home to England after facing Scotland.

France: Thomas Ramos, Theo Attissogbe, Nicolas Depoortere, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarry, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont; Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri, Charles Ollivon, Mickael Guillard, Francois Gros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch.

Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Rodrigue Neti, Demba Bamba, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Baptiste Serin, Pierre-Louis Barassi.

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie believes Gregor Townsend's men are "capable of the extraordinary" and wouldn't be surprised to see them beat France on Saturday.

Fabien Galthie's French side travel to Murrayfield knowing a bonus-point win will make them Six Nations champions with a game to spare.

A home victory would allow Scotland to head to Ireland on the final day with a genuine shot at a first title in 27 years.

Townsend's men have faced France 13 times during his tenure, winning five, and Beattie is not putting it past the Scots to add a sixth.

The 40-year-old, who played for Montpellier, Castres and Bayonne as well as Glasgow Warriors, told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast: "It's a funny Scottish set-up because they have such high days and such lows as well but they're capable of the extraordinary.

"I wouldn't put it past them to beat a French side, travelling away from home that know they've got a game in hand and can wrap up a championship this weekend. But they could also be very French about it and be absolutely dismal.

"Let's not forget that we've put them under real pressure before, both away in Paris and at Murrayfield. It is possible. I know we're being totally written off but I still think there's enough that it doesn't matter.

"You look at Scotland's backline and what they have been capable of. They will score points and we have to back them to do so. Give them the ball, don't give France the ball, dominate set-pieces, try to control possession and try to outscore them.

"We've been written off but I still think it's possible."

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your Scottish rugby questions as Gregor Townsend's side prepare to host France in the Six Nations this weekend.

Cam asked: What changes do you think we'll see to the matchday 23 heading into the France game? Will Magnus Bradbury be given a shot after his performance for Edinburgh at the weekend.

Tom answered: It's hard to second-guess Gregor Townsend, but you'd imagine he'll be thinking hard about bringing in Darcy Graham for Duhan van der Merwe.

There'll be discussion at loosehead as well. Nathan McBeth having been taken off so early in Wales. It wouldn't be a surprise if Pierre Schoeman started.

France haven't used their scrum all that much because they just want to get the ball out and play. Italy had them in trouble at times, but Italy's scrum is the best in the tournament. Schoeman to start, possibly.

People are criticising Zander Fagerson and it's true he's been some way short of his brilliant best. No way I'd drop him. Hopefully this is the weekend he finds himself again.

I'm a big fan of Max Williamson, but he wasn't himself in Cardiff. I don't know what it was, but he looked leggy and lacking in power. He struggled to get to the pitch of the game for some reason.

Personally, I'd move Gregor Brown back in beside Scott Cummings. Brown was terrific in the second-row in Paris last season. Grant Gilchrist might be the second-row bench cover.

Back-row - if Jack Dempsey is fit to play then it's a huge boost. I wasn't expecting that. A back-row of Matt Fagerson-Rory Darge-Dempsey is the most likely, but I wouldn't rule out Josh Bayliss starting with Fagerson on the bench.

Townsend went 6-2 on the bench against France last season (and 5-3 the season before). If he goes 6-2 then Bradbury must have a chance. Lots of power and aggression. Unleash it for 20-25 minutes and it could be a big weapon. A 6-2 bench is risky, but beating this French team is going to be require a few gambles.

Chris asked: Would you agree that after his Cardiff performance Josh Bayliss has made himself a starter? Also did Rowe show enough over the weekend to make the 23?

Tom answered: He was excellent, a real impact man when Scotland most needed it. For Bayliss to start then Gregor Brown would have to go back into the second-row (something I'd agree with) and Matt Fagerson would have to drop to the bench. With Jamie Ritchie out injured, it's a close call between Bayliss and Fagerson.

If it's a 5-3 bench I'd like to see Kyle Rowe in the picture. He's a wonderful player in two different positions. He deserves to feature. I'd have him in the 23.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Forwards coach John Dalziel says Scotland will have to deliver their best performance of the Six Nations to stop the French "juggernaut" at Murrayfield on Saturday and keep their title hopes alive.

France have swept all before them in the tournament so far, with thumping victories over Ireland, Wales and Italy.

Scotland know an upset victory would see them go into the final weekend with a genuine shot at the title for the first time in the Six Nations era.

Many feel Les Bleus are on an unstoppable surge towards a Grand Slam, and a bonus-point win in Edinburgh would seal the title with one round to spare.

"In terms of the Six Nations, in terms of their form the last couple of years, there's not a bigger challenge really," Dalziel said.

"The way that they are, a bit of a juggernaut at the moment, they're coming with everything to gain at the weekend as well at Murrayfield.

"We're just internalising everything, basically making sure that we're really happy with where we are and we've got to have our game of the tournament so far to make sure we get the win at the weekend.

"They just have such a vast amount of players and what they are able to do is pick the lads in form. You've seen a lot of these guys in the European rounds for their clubs play so well and they have the ability to make changes as well at will and still look formidable. That's a really strong squad.

"They've got great strength and depth, as have we. We Know what we need from our game to rival them at the weekend and give them a match. Now we're really looking forward to the challenge."

Who better to give the lowdown on Les Bleus than Johnnie Beattie?

The former Scotland number eight, who spent the majority of his club career in France with Montpellier, Castres and Bayonne, joins Tom English and Andy Burke on the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast to preview Saturday's Six Nations showdown at Murrayfield.

Listen and subscribe on BBC Sounds.

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

As the clock ticked glacially towards full-time Edinburgh found themselves with a penalty deep in Scarlets' 22.

A conflab between Magnus Bradbury and Ross Thompson followed, which, if you give them any credit at all, would have been about no more than running down said clock.

In the stands there were shouts encouraging one more attack but thankfully common sense prevailed. We tapped and kicked the ball into touch and brought a frustrating yet ultimately 'objective achieved' match to a close.

It was the right decision because we had dropped the ball nine times and were turned over at the ruck four times. It was also our worst lineout performance of the season, losing five of our 18 lineouts for a success rate of only 67%. Our season average has been 85%.

In the minutes before that final penalty there had been heart-in-the-mouth moments as we ran away from supporting players and the risk of an interception try by Scarlets increased exponentially.

There were some similarities with how the Wales v Scotland match had gone last week. A poor first half that allowed Scarlets to get a decent lead and then a fightback and some great passages of play in the second half and a late taking of the lead.

There was also an impressive 10 on the field and despite being charged down by Harry Paterson, Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has a bright future ahead of him.

Paterson was himself outstanding. On a night where basic skills seemed to be a little hard to find he fielded many a high ball without mistake, made more metres and breaks than anyone and that charge down and the try that followed had a similar effect on Scarlets as Darcy Graham's score did against Wales.

Mosese Tuipulotu made a solid and encouraging return after his lengthy injury, as did Dylan Richardson. I felt Paterson had just edged the player of the match award but Magnus Bradbury did have a very good game. Only Wes Goosen beat more defenders than our captain did.

We started the weekend 13th in the league and finished it 12th. We won with a bonus point and at least three of those four tries will undoubtedly be included in a list of top 10 of the season.

Our task is mammoth but the fight goes on.

Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external

Do you have any burning questions on Scottish rugby after a weekend of URC action for Edinburgh and Glasgow?

Or perhaps you have something to ask regarding Scotland's Six Nations showdown with France on Saturday?

Send in your questions via this link and a selection will be answered by our experts and published on this page later in the week.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Edinburgh keep play-off hopes alive

This was simply a must-win game if Edinburgh were to retain any realistic hopes of reaching the URC play-offs, and while they were made to work for it by a dogged Scarlets side, they got the maximum five points they needed.

It threatened to be a very damaging evening as Scarlets made their early dominance pay to move into a 14-0 lead.

It was an error-strewn affair for the most part, with both sides guilty of failing to look after the ball, but Edinburgh found quality when they needed it.

The move that ended with Magnus Bradbury going over for Edinburgh's second try was the standout, and the home side were just about value for their win.

Bradbury brings the power

The number eight was central to Edinburgh wrestling control of the game.

His powerful carries were key to getting Edinburgh moving forward, and although he'll be disappointed that he lost the ball in contact on a few occasions, his physicality with the ball and at the breakdown were important.

He did superbly to take a difficult pass leading up to his try, which he finished well.

With Jack Dempsey's fitness still unclear before Scotland's Six Nations showdown with France next weekend, Bradbury could provide a big ball-carrying alternative.

Paterson shows his class

It was an eventful evening for Harry Paterson.

His counter-attack sparked the move that led to Bradbury's try, he was sent to the bin for a deliberate knock-on, and he scored the match-winning try.

Since making his Scotland debut with an impressive display against France two years ago, Paterson has struggled to stay fit.

Hopefully he can get a good run now because he is a tremendous footballer. His broken field running is exceptional and his game understanding is only going to get better.

Rugby fans, we asked for your views on Glasgow's loss to Connacht over the weekend. Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Doug: This defeat is at the hands of the SRU. They have hamstrung Glasgow by forcing them to get rid of key players. Credit to Connacht for their defence which was exceptional in that first quarter. We missed the influence of the likes of Henco Venter and Sebastian Cancelliere in these mid-Six Nations games. This, and the late defeat to Benetton, could prove costly for us getting top seeded for the knock-outs.

JT: I'm sure there will be talk of the foreign players no longer being available to Glasgow, but that team was plenty good enough to win. Disappointing.

Tom: Very poor performance all round. Backs toothless except for Kyle Rowe. Ben Afshar too slow and Adam Hastings looks like he wants to leave ASAP. Too much time trying to crash through and too little guile to find a gap. Waste of a big opportunity to cement place at the top of the league.

Chris: Just shows how difficult the league is if you provide the majority of internationals during the Six Nations. Lack of a specialist openside flanker is a worry. Angus Fraser is a great player but hybrid hooker/flanker. Thought Jack Oliver looked sharp and has something about him.

Ethan: Disappointing result, though thought Connacht was arguably the better team. Glasgow were on the backfoot most of the match and had several opportunities to score especially in the first quarter.

Think the team should have performed better given how long they've had to prepare as they looked very passive. Hard-fought losing bonus point away during a time when most players are with Scotland whilst Connacht remained predominantly unfazed, and thankfully due to Cardiff we are still on top of the table.

Seriously need to sharpen up for Leinster and plenty for Franco Smith to analyse. Rowe was arguably one of the few positives and hopefully he's done enough to get back into Scotland squad.

Anthony: This is exactly why Smith has every right to be furious with the SRU and David Nucifora. Glasgow would never have lost games like this, and the one against Scarlets, with the likes of Venter showing the young guys the way. We still need experienced heads when the majority of the top players are on international duty or injured. Glasgow's season may well be defined by two feeble outings against poor opposition.

Glasgow Warriors missed out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the United Rugby Championship table as Sean Jansen's last-gasp try lifted Connacht to a dramatic victory at Dexcom Stadium.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the match via this link

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Harry Paterson is proud of the way Edinburgh battled back after a difficult start to register a crucial bonus-point win over Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship.

The Welsh side raced into a 14-0 first-half lead but a double from Ben Vellacott and a Magnus Bradbury try turned the tide in Edinburgh's favour.

Although the visitors scored to level things up at 19-19 – while full-back Paterson was in the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on – the Scotland international scored Edinburgh's fourth to settle things.

"The first 20 minutes or so, that was very intense with all the turnovers and transition," Paterson told BBC Scotland.

"I was really proud of how we came out after half-time because that's been an issue for us. We've always spoken about coming out hot after half-time and we did, which I was really happy with.

"We were just overplaying a bit, we were using a lot of energy in our own half and then silly errors and then causing transition.

"But I think in the second half, we started playing more in their half and then really just getting after it on the transition as well, which worked. A couple of really nice tries from the boys straight after the half-time there.

"Momentum is everything, so hopefully we can just keep building from here."

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt thinks his side's 24-19 comeback win over Scarlets has kept them in the hunt for a top-eight finish in the United Rugby Championship.

The victory lifts the capital side up from 13th to 11th and the South African told BBC Scotland: "We earmark our home games to get maximum points and we managed to do that in the Champions Cup as well.

"If results go your way, and we have a game in hand, we are definitely going to be in contention, but the main thing we have to concentrate on is Ulster at home in a couple of weeks."

Everitt was particularly pleased to have centre Mosese Tuipulotu back on the pitch after nine months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

"I am very happy for him," he said. "It wasn't easy. I've seen a player before struggle with that and that player was out for over 12 months.

"We've also got some other guys back and it's about time - we've had a long injury list for a couple of months and it was starting to hurt us.

"I thought Marshall Sykes went well tonight as well as Dylan Richardson, so we are getting some troops back at the right time."

Everitt admitted it was "quite a frantic game" in which his team took time to find their feet after the international break.

"If you look at the first 20 minutes, the ball getting turned over and we conceded a lot of turn overs in the first half," he said.

"I think the boys wanted to show that and play with speed and with that came the errors.

"The guys spoke about it at half time and came back and put together a good 10 minutes just after the break and that laid the foundation for the win.

"It was never going to be perfect tonight with being three weeks off - that's both teams."

Currie Chieftains have reached the Scottish Premiership play-off final after a convincing 36-7 defeat of Edinburgh rivals Heriot's.

Ayr will find out their semi-final opponents after Saturday's re-arranged match between Glasgow Hawks and Glasgow Hutchesons Aloysians.

GHA need a victory to overtake Watsonian to secure a place in the match on Sunday, 15 March live on BBC Alba.

The final, also live on BBC Alba, is on Saturday, 21 March.

Ayr are strong favourites to secure the title having topped the league season after winning all 18 matches.

Currie were second with 11 wins and seven losses.