Patience pays off as Fife finally gets the nod

“I DON’T really think Saturday will faze Dougie — he’s one of those players where it doesn’t seem to matter who he marks he just goes out and plays the same.”

Fife’s inclusion means there are more players from Edinburgh state schools than the capital’s private schools in the Scotland team.

“I’m absolutely delighted and can’t wait,” he said.

“The Millennium Stadium with the roof closed — I don’t think it could be much better to be honest.

“When I got a run of games with Edinburgh and started doing fairly well I felt I could be on the brink of a Scotland call-up if I stuck in. Luckily I’ve been patient and my time has come.”

As the away side Scotland have the choice of whether the Millennium Stadium roof is open or closed, and despite forecast of a fair day the have opted for it to be shut.

Team: Stuart Hogg ( Glasgow War riors), Dougie Fife (Edinburgh), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Castres), Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier); Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens, capt), David Denton (Edinburgh). Replacements: Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson (both Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors), Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Chris Cusiter ( Glasgow War riors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Jack Cuthbert (Edinburgh).