France vs Scotland: Gael Fickou returns for Six Nations decider

Veteran centre Gael Fickou has been named to start for France against Scotland in Paris on Saturday, with Maxime Lucu starting at scrum-half in place of the injured Antoine Dupont.

Dupont has been ruled out for at least the rest of the season after rupturing the ligaments in his right knee in the win over Ireland.

Lucu replaced Dupont after 30 minutes as France went on to thrash the hosts 42-27 in Dublin.

Fickou, 30, has not played in the Six Nations this year after he fractured his thumb playing for club side Racing 92 earlier in the season.

Victory for France against Scotland with a four-try bonus point would give them the title in Paris.

England and Ireland are also still in contention to finish top of the standings.

France XV to face Scotland:

Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Thibaud Flament, Mickael Guillard, Francois Cros, Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt (captain), Maxime Lucu, Romain Ntamack, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Yoram Moefana, Gael Fickou, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos.

Replacements: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Hugo Auradou, Emmanuel Meafou, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Nolann Le Garrec.

play1:01Scotland snatch first Six Nations win in Paris

Relive three classic Six Nations games between France and Scotland ahead of the final round of fixtures this weekend.

– Overreactions: Marcus Smith cements fullback spot? Ireland need reset?
– Tom Hamilton from Twickenham: England do Italian job, keep title hopes
– Who could replace Warren Gatland as Wales head coach?
– WATCH: Relive some of Six Nations’ classic games
– Six Nations and Women’s Six Nations: Full fixture list

Source: espn.com