Van der Merwe Dropped from Scotland Squad for France Clash

Edinburgh winger Duhan van der Merwe has been omitted from the Scotland team for their upcoming Six Nations Championship match against France. The decision, made by head coach Gregor Townsend, sees Darcy Graham step into the starting lineup.

Townsend Makes Changes to Face Les Bleus

In addition to Van der Merwe’s exclusion, Zander Fagerson has been relegated to the bench, resulting in a 6-2 split between starters and replacements designed to counter France’s Bomb Squad.

Van der Merwe, who recently returned from injury, has reportedly been out of form this season. His performance in Scotland’s narrow victory over Wales was deemed insufficient for selection in the 23-man squad for the Murrayfield clash.

Lineup Adjustments

With Graham taking Van der Merwe’s spot on the left wing, Kyle Steyn will feature on the right. Blair Kinghorn retains his position at full-back, while the rest of the backline remains unchanged, featuring Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones at centre, and Finn Russell and Ben White as the half-back pairing.

Fagerson’s Role Reduced

Up front, Jack Dempsey’s return at number eight provides a boost, but the most notable change is Fagerson’s omission from the starting XV. While his recent form in the Six Nations has been below par, it is anticipated he will be utilized as an impact player off the bench.

France Announces Team Changes

France has likewise made alterations to their team, with Fabien Galthie making five changes, including adjustments to the midfield.

Scotland Team to Face France

Scotland: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Gregor Brown, 3 D’arcy Rae, 2 George Turner, 1 Pierre Schoeman

Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Grant Gilchrist, 20 Freddy Douglas, 21 Josh Bayliss, 22 George Horne, 23 Tom Jordan

Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 14:10 GMT
Referee: Angus Gardner (RA)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU), Craig Evans (WRU)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
FPRO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

FAQ

• Why was Duhan van der Merwe dropped? Van der Merwe was dropped due to recent poor form, particularly following his performance in the match against Wales.
• Who replaces Van der Merwe? Darcy Graham will grab Van der Merwe’s place on the left wing.
• What changes were made to the Scotland forward pack? Zander Fagerson has been benched, and Jack Dempsey returns at number eight.

The changes made by Gregor Townsend signal a strategic shift as Scotland prepares to face a formidable French side at Murrayfield. The focus will be on utilizing a strong bench to counteract France’s impactful substitutions.