Six Nations: Graeme Morrison braced for a bruising Bleus battle

Glasgow centre Morrison was this week recalled to the starting XV as one of four changes as Scotland bid to claim a first win of the tournament following losses to England and Wales.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has partnered Morrison with Sean Lamont in the centre in what is sure to be a physical confrontation with Wesley Fofana and Aurelien Rougerie.

Morrison said: “The backs in world rugby aren’t getting any smaller. Myself and Sean aren’t the smallest two, but neither are the French. It’s going to be an exciting competition and one I’m looking forward to.

“I know what my strengths are and my aim is to play well and consistently throughout the game. I find if I get my basics right the rest falls into place.”

Morrison and Lamont must find the balance between sucking in French defenders and distributing the ball wide to Scotland’s dangerous runners, including Stuart Hogg at full-back.

Key to the performance of the centres is the forwards winning possession and the display of half-backs Mike Blair and Greig Laidlaw.

Morrison is looking forward to playing alongside Edinburgh captain Laidlaw after a week of training. The 29-year-old said: “It’s great playing with Greig, who takes the ball right to the line, and hopefully with that he’ll be able to put us in holes and it’s about myself and Sean working well together.”

Morrison added: “There’s a lot of talk about the tries and lack of tries, but what’s been positive about the last couple of games is we’ve created opportunities.

“The forwards have done really well, provided great ball, so it’s probably about time the backs gave them a little back in terms of some good attacking plays and hopefully crossing that whitewash.”