Scots prepare for a battle for the ages

THE mad pendulum of French rugby took another eccentric swing yesterday when veteran fly-half Lionel Beauxis was hauled in from the wilderness to start against Scotland tomorrow.

The 32-year-old Beauxis who won the last of his 20 caps in the 2012 Six Nations, takes over from injured teenager Matthieu Jalibert as French coach Jacques Brunel goes from one age extreme to the other after last Saturday’s narrow defeat by Ireland.

“We think the weather conditions won’t be good so at the beginning of the game we will need experienced players and Lionel Beauxis’ kicking game will help us,” said Brunel.

“We know Lionel. He has not been very consistent, but he showed great things with Lyon this season.”

Hardly a ringing endorsement, but Brunel is clearly reluctant to hand control to Toulon youngster Anthony Belleau, who remains an option from the bench.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend, meanwhile, is expecting a bounce-back performance at a sold-out Murrayfield after the humbling 34-7 defeat against Wales in round one.

“It was disappointing against Wales. We didn’t perform anywhere near where we were capable of,” said Townsend. “We have worked hard on how that happened and why it can never happen again.

“There are a few things that we have put in place that should make us better this weekend.

“We want to see this group of players grab the opportunity. We didn’t do it at the weekend.”