Darge and Gilchrist return for Scotland against France

Scotland co-captain Rory Darge and lock Grant Gilchrist have been recalled to the starting side named by coach Gregor Townsend for Saturday's Six Nations international against France at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Darge, who will lead the side alongside Finn Russell, and Gilchrist return in two of threee changes to the team announced by coach Gregor Townsend on Thursday following Scotland's dramatic 27-26 tournament-opening win over Wales in Cardiff last weekend.

Darge replaces Jamie Ritchie at openside flanker, with the former Scotland captain left out entirely of the matchday 23.

The other two changes to the starting side see Jack Dempsey and Grant Gilchrist return to the pack after back-row Luke Crosbie and lock Richie Gray suffered tournament-ending injuries in Cardiff,

Your Scotland side for Round 2⃣ of @SixNationsRugby.

Read more: https://t.co/t7chi9sUss pic.twitter.com/tDaYLG1Txp — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 8, 2024

In-form Saracens back-row Andy Christie is on the bench after missing out on the 23 last weekend.

Victory at the Principality Stadium gave Scotland their first success in Cardiff for 22 years.

But the win was only achieved after they nearly squandered a seemingly commanding 27-0 lead, with yellow cards for hooker George Turner and centre Sione Tuipulotu proving a major handicap.

The Scots now face a French side reeling after being hammered 38-17 by titleholders Ireland in Marseille last Friday.

SCOTLAND (15-1)

Kyle Rowe; Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell (co-capt), Ben White; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge (co-capt), Matt Fagerson; Scott Cummings, Grant Gilchrist; Zander Fagerson, George Turner, Pierre Schoeman

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Alec Hepburn, Elliot Millar-Mills, Sam Skinner, Andy Christie, George Horne, Ben Healy, Cameron Redpath

Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)