Scotland vs France: Gregor Townsend explains shock Jamie Ritchie omission from Six Nations clash

Former skipper has not even made the bench for Murrayfield showdown after starting Wales thriller
Nick Purewal9 February 2024

Former captain Jamie Ritchie has become the fall guy as Scotland gear up to host France at Murrayfield.

Flanker Ritchie has been omitted from Scotland’s squad to face Les Bleus in Edinburgh on Saturday, with co-captain Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey both stepping into the back row.

Luke Crosbie has missed out through injury, but even despite that, Ritchie has been left out of the matchday 23.

Scotland saw a 27-0 lead in Wales evaporate last weekend, with Gregor Townsend’s men escaping from Cardiff with a 27-26 victory.

Co-captain Finn Russell revealed that Scotland’s players were not listening to instructions not to dive into rucks, and Ritchie – who lost the Scotland armband before the Six Nations started – has paid the price.

“Jamie has responded outstandingly well as a person and as a team-mate and he’ll be in the mix again for our next game against England,” said Scotland boss Townsend.

Flanker Jamie Ritchie lost the Scotland captaincy ahead of this year’s Six Nations
Action Images via Reuters

“Rory is an out-and-out seven and we feel the carrying strengths of Matt [Fagerson] and Jack give us a better mix this week.

“Rory is so committed. He has a really unusual way of carrying the ball, and his ability over the ball in defence is up there with the best in the world.”

Saracens flanker Andy Christie has forced his way onto the bench for the Scots.

“Andy was close to starting but, off the bench, he can cover all three positions,” added Townsend.

France will be out to hit back after last weekend’s 38-17 home humbling by Ireland.

Wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey and lock Cameron Woki both start for France, with Yoram Moefana moving to the bench and Paul Willemse suspended.

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