Scotland v France: Duncan Weir is in line to win his first cap under Gregor Townsend’s reign

Popular stand-off will start on the bench against Grand Slam-chasing French

Duncan Weir has not played for Scotland since 2017. Picture: Gary Hutchison / SNS

Duncan Weir is in line to win his first cap under Gregor Townsend after the popular stand-off was recalled to Scotland’s matchday squad for tomorrow’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France in Edinburgh.

The Worcester stand-off will start on the bench against the French as back-up to No 10 Adam Hastings in the continued absence of Finn Russell.

Weir, 28, has not played for Scotland since appearing as a late replacement in the 2017 Six Nations match against Italy, Vern Cotter’s last match in charge of Scotland.

Seen as a safe pair of hands and with a reliable boot, Weir is likely to see action in the second half at Murrayfield. Centre Rory Hutchison had been providing cover at 10 from the bench but is not in the 23-man squad.

Townsend has made three changes to his starting XV, all in the pack, following the 17-0 win over Italy in Rome last month.

Fraser Brown replaces Stuart McInally at hooker and will win his 50th cap. McInally is on the bench. Edinburgh lock Grant Gilchrist comes into the second row in place of Ben Toolis, who drops out completely. Nick Haining take over at No 8 from Magnus Bradbury, who is among the replacements.