LAWSON STARTS FOR SCOTLAND
The in-form hooker, 32, has been in fine form of late for both club and country and will be eager to build on Scotland’s dramatic victory over Italy in Rome last month.
A last gasp Duncan Weir drop-goal snatched a hard-fought triumph against the Azzurri, and Scotland head coach Scott Johnson is keen to build on the result, saying: “Whatever side France put out will be a good one. They have proven over the years that they are a great rugby nation, so whatever side comes to Edinburgh we know we’ll have to be at our best.”
Meanwhile, Scotland have recalled Kelly Brown to the side, with the Saracens man regaining the captaincy from Greig Laidlaw.
“I think Saturday is a game that will really suit Kelly,” said Johnson.
“Unlike other sides in the competition, France play above the ground a bit and there will be a lot of mauling. I’ve picked a side that can win the game,” he added.
**Scotland:** Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh); Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier), Johnny Beattie (Montpellier), Kelly Brown (Saracens, capt), David Denton (Edinburgh).
**Replacements:** Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors), Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Max Evans (Castres).
