Scotland hooker Fraser Brown will win his 50th cap when Gregor Townsend’s team welcome Grand Slam-chasing France to Murrayfield on Sunday.
The Glasgow forward’s return is one of three changes to the pack which helped beat Italy a fortnight ago in Rome.
Edinburgh pair Grant Gilchrist and Nick Haining are also recalled to the starting XV as their club-mates Stuart McInally, Ben Toolis and Magnus Bradbury make way.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT ???????
Scotland team named to face France in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations at @BTMurrayfield this Sunday (kick-off 3pm).#AsOne pic.twitter.com/3UrHLTPZ0Y
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 6, 2020
Exeter lock Sam Skinner is named on the bench as he eyes his first appearance since last summer after returning from the hamstring injury that cost him a place at the World Cup.
The replacements also features the return of 27-times capped Worcester stand-off Duncan Weir, who could make his first Scotland appearance since the 2017 championship, while Glasgow’s Kyle Steyn also hopes to get a run-out for his debut.
Les Bleus have already taken care of England, Italy and Wales but Townsend hopes his side can end their hopes of a Six Nations clean sweep.
The head coach said: “This week we face a France team that looks galvanised since the World Cup, with a potential Grand Slam in their sights following impressive wins over England, Italy and Wales.
“France’s victories have been built on an aggressive and well-organised defence so the precision, decision-making and effort in our attacking game will have to be very good in order to get in behind them this weekend.”
