Scots make three changes to face France

Scotland coach Matt Williams has made three changes from the team that started against Italy for the Six Nations match against…

Scotland coach Matt Williams has made three changes from the team that started against Italy for the Six Nations match against France at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Derrick Lee replaces Ben Hinshelwood at fullback, Andy Henderson comes in for Brendan Laney at inside centre, and Cameron Mather returns from injury at openside flanker in place of Allister Hogg.

The 30-year-old Lee, who came on as a late replacement against Italy, looked set to make an impact on the international stage when he played in all four matches of the 1998 Five Nations Championship.

But it was three years before he was recalled, playing against South Africa and Argentina, only for a further three years out of the Scotland squad to follow.

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Williams believes Lee will give the back line more of a cutting edge. "We want more thrust from fullback and pace and angles from the back three," Williams told reporters today. "Lee has been with us for the entire Six Nations and his performances at club level have earned him selection."

The choice of Henderson at inside centre gives the Scotland midfield more physical presence. "Andy has come on physically and is aggressive with the ball," said Williams. "The other point is that France have two very physical centres. But it was a close call between Henderson and Brendan Laney."

Mather's return was anticipated. "His experience over Hogg was a big factor," Williams said. "Cammy is a tough competitor, he played very well against Wales and he had a good 20 minutes against England before he picked up his injury.

We need Cammy's experience against [Olivier] Magne who is perhaps the most creative flanker in the world." Williams decided against moving Chris Paterson away from the flyhalf position in favour of Dan Parks.

"The step up from Scottish pro rugby to the international game is huge," Williams said. "We have to make sure that Dan is ready for this step up. We don't want to rush him."

Scotland : 15-Derrick Lee, 14-Simon Danielli, 13-Tom Philip, 12-Andy Henderson, 11-Simon Webster; 10-Chris Paterson, 9-Chris Cusiter; 8-Simon Taylor, 7-Cameron Mather, 6-Jason White, 5-Stuart Grimes, 4-Scott Murray, 3-Bruce Douglas , 2-Gordon Bulloch , 1-Allan Jacobsen

Replacements 16-Rob Russell, 17-Gavin Kerr, 18-Nathan Hines, 19-Allister Hogg, 20-Mike Blair, 21-Brendan Laney, 22-Dan Parks