Influential pair ruled out of Scotland's Six Nations opener against France

SCOTLAND will be without two of their most influential players for the opening match of this year's Six Nations tournament.

• Rory Lamont (left) and Alasdair Strokosch will miss Scotland's Six Nations match against France on Sunday

Flanker Alasdair Strokosch and full-back Rory Lamont have been ruled out of the competition opener against France at Murrayfield on February 7.

Strokosch has failed to recover from an ankle injury he suffered while playing for Gloucester last month and has returned to his club for treatment.

Lamont, whose brother Sean is also in the squad, has also fallen victim to an ankle injury.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson will announce his side for Sunday's match at noon tomorrow.

• FRANCE forward Sebastien Chabal has miss Sunday's match after failing to recover from a back injury. Toulouse lock Yoann Maestri will take his place in the squad.