FIVE SCOTS WHO COULD FACE THE AXE FOR FRANCE CLASH

ALI PRICE

Case for the prosecution Did you watch Saturday’s game? The intercept try was the worst moment — but not the only offence from a scrum-half clearly out of his depth. Case for the defence He is a proven playmaker who excelled against Australia and New Zealand. At 24, he’s probably going to be our No 9 for years to come. Who replaces him? Easy, this one. Former Scotland captain — and perhaps skipper again pretty soon, depending on how things fall — Greig Laidlaw. One short of 60 caps and just shy of 600 international points, he will start on Sunday.

CHRIS HARRIS

Case for the prosecution Simply shell-shocked in Cardiff, his first start for Scotland. Filling some big shoes at outside centre, he looked flat-footed and burst long before being hooked. Case for the defence Harris would appear to have a lot of the basic skills needed for international rugby. In time. Who replaces him? If Alex Dunbar is fit, he goes straight into the line-up and Huw Jones moves to 13. Peter Horne is the other option.

BEN TOOLIS

Case for the prosecution No intensity, no major carries, no line-out excellence. Pretty much a zero performance on Saturday. Case for the defence Another who has proven himself capable of much, much better things. May hold on to his place by default. Who replaces him?

Richie Gray, if fit. You would love to think Grant Gilchrist could shake up the second row, given a chance. But that isn’t guaranteed.

JON WELSH

Case for the prosecution As hard as they worked, that front row can’t be trusted to get the job done. Not if there are alternatives. Case for the defence Actually did better than some expected. And, at 31, he’s got a wealth of experience to draw upon. Who replaces him? Simon Berghan is back from suspension, so drops straight into the starting XV.

CORNELL DU PREEZ

Case for the prosecution Barely seen on Saturday, the big No 8 neither carried the ball for major yardage nor made a nuisance of himself to stop the Welsh. Case for the defence Hard to think of one. Beyond hoping that, if selected, he actually turns up this time. Who replaces him? Bold caption Ryan Wilson or David Denton Bold caption would be the obvious Bold caption candidates. The entire back row maybe rejigged, anyway.