Penaud replaces Thomas for France as Scotland make three changes

France have brought fit-again wing Damian Penaud into their team to face Scotland in the Six Nations in place of Teddy Thomas.

Fabien Galthie’s side are at Murrayfield to play Scotland on Sunday after wins over England, Italy and Wales set up a Grand Slam bid few were predicting ahead of the tournament.

Penaud, 23, suffered a calf injury during the captain’s run ahead of the opening matchday victory against England and he now replaces Thomas, who has started the first three games.

Thomas scored a try against Italy but has seen the defensive elements of his game come under scrutiny.

Penaud returns to the XV in one of two changes for France, the other being prop Jefferson Poirot coming into the team to replace Cyril Baille, who has a shoulder injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Scotland team named to face France in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations at @BTMurrayfield this Sunday (kick-off 3pm).#AsOne pic.twitter.com/3UrHLTPZ0Y

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 6, 2020

Scotland, meanwhile, make three changes – all in their forward pack.

Fraser Brown is back in at hooker to win his 50th Scotland cap, with Edinburgh duo Grant Gilchrist and Nick Haining also brought into the team, as Stuart McInally, Magnus Bradbury and Ben Toolis drop out.

With Finn Russell still not included, Worcester Warriors’ Duncan Weir is named on the bench having not played for Scotland since 2017, prior to Gregor Townsend’s appointment.

Sam Skinner is back on the bench after injury for the first time in this campaign, with Bradbury another replacement option along with centre Kyle Steyn, who could make his debut.

Townsend said: “This week we face a France team that looks galvanised since the World Cup, with a potential Grand Slam in their sights following impressive wins over England, Italy and Wales.

“We have a lot of respect for their coaching team and the quality of player they possess throughout their squad, many of them just in their early stages of their international careers. 

“We are going to have to deliver our best rugby of the championship in order to beat a team in such good form.”

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