Rugby: Warriors invade Scottish team for Six Nations opener against France

SCOTLAND'S rugby side to face France at Murrayfield on Sunday will today provide confirmation of a switch in the balance of power from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

Compared with last season when there were 10 Capital men in the starting line-up it is expected only Chris Paterson, Phil Godman and Ross Ford will start.

Glasgow could have nine players on duty and an irony exists in that they are coached by former Edinburgh player Sean Lineen, who says: "

The Evans' brothers, Max and Thom, are special – a breath of fresh air. There are other things in their life but they take rugby very seriously as well."

There will be an all-Glasgow back row among whom Kelly Brown is having "the best season of his life" according to Lineen who adds: "We know he is moving (to Saracens) but he will give 100 per cent for the rest of this season."

Scotland are likely to field: Paterson (Edinburgh); S Lamont (Llanelli), M Evans, Morrison, T Evans (Glasgow); Godman (Edinburgh), Cusiter (Glasgow); Dickinson (Gloucester), Ford (Edinburgh), Low, Kellock (both Glasgow), Hines (Leinster), Brown, Beattie, Barclay (all Glasgow).

MICHAEL TAIT, son of former Scotland and Lions star Alan, is doubtful to take his place in his father's old centre position when the under-20 clash with France goes ahead at Inverness on Friday.

A damaged foot saw Tait withdrawn after 13 minutes of Newcastle's match with Cardiff last weekend and he now faces fitness tests for the match.

EDINBURGH outfits provide six players – Malcolm Clapperton (Boroughmuir), Heriot's pair Alan Dymock and Scott Burnett and Currie trio Richard Snedden, Ross Weston and Mark Cairns – for the Scottish clubs team's starting line-up against France at Galashiels on Friday. Included on the bench are two more Currie players – Andy MacMahon and Ally Hamilton.

SIX NATIONS TEAM GUIDES:

Scotland

England

France

Ireland

Italy

Wales