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Paterson closer to Scotland century
Paterson: Lines-up for his 99th Scotland cap against France
Scotland have made six changes in personnel from November's Test against Argentina for their opening Six Nations match against France at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Promoted to the starting XV are Chris Paterson, who will be winning his 99th cap at full-back, the Glasgow centre pairing Max Evans and Graeme Morrison, Gloucester loosehead prop Alasdair Dickinson and Glasgow flankers Kelly Brown and John Barclay.
Of those players omitted Rory Lamont and Alasdair Strokosch were discounted through injury, while Alex Grove, Allan Jacobsen and Alan MacDonald remain in the matchday 22.
Only Ben Cairns has missed out entirely.
The uncapped 20-year-old Glasgow lock, Richie Gray, wins a place on the bench after a string of committed displays during the last two months.
"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," said Scotland coach Andy Robinson.
"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.
"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."
Scotland: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Thom Evans, 13 Max Evans, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Chris Cusiter (c), 7 John Barclay, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 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.
Date: Sunday, 7 February
Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch-judges: Chris White (England) and Tim Hayes (Wales)
Television match official: Geoff Hughes (England)
