Chiefs duo named in Scotland squad

By Mark Stevens
24/3/21

Exeter Chiefs duo Stuart Hogg and Sam Skinner have both been named in Scotland’s starting line-up for Friday’s final Guinness Six Nations match against France at Stade de France, Paris (8pm).

The duo, who both featured in last weekend’s 52-10 victory over Italy at BT Murrayfield, retain their places, but head coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes for the game.

Finn Russell and Ali Price return to form the half-backs, Chris Harris is selected at centre, while hooker George Turner also returns. Russell’s inclusion at fly-half means captain Hogg moves to his more familiar role at full-back having played in the No.10 jersey in the record win over Italy.

Townsend said: “The match against France provides us with an opportunity to finish the Six Nations in our highest position in its history This is a great opportunity for us to take on France, at home in Paris, as they also look to end the championship on a high.

“Both teams have needed to manage a short six-day turnaround and we have used this week to regroup and focus on putting in our best performance of the competition so far, which we will need to deliver if we are to leave Paris with a victory.

“As a group we have faced several challenges throughout this Six Nations, it has brought us closer together, and I know the players are motivated and looking forward to representing their country again on Friday night.”

SCOTLAND TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE

15. Stuart Hogg (capt, Exeter Chiefs) 84 caps
14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh) - 18 caps
13. Chris Harris (Gloucester) – 27 caps
12. Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors) - 17 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh) - 9 caps
10. Finn Russell (Racing 92) – 54 caps
9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) – 41 caps
1. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh) – 15 caps
2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) – 16 caps
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) – 37 caps
4. Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs) – 11 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh) – 44 caps
6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh) – 26 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh) – 40 caps
8. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) – 13 caps

16. David Cherry (Edinburgh) – 4 caps
17. Oli Kebble (Glasgow Warriors) – 7 caps
18. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh) – 30 caps
19. Alex Craig (Gloucester) – 1 cap
20. Nick Haining (Edinburgh) – 7 caps
21. Scott Steele (Harlequins) – 4 caps
22. Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors) – 22 caps
23. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 30 caps