Rugby: Maitland, Hardie among Scotland changes

Scotland coach Vern Cotter.
Scotland coach Vern Cotter.
Scotland have recalled fullback Sean Maitland and winger Tommy Seymour after injury for this weekend's final World Cup warm-up against France in Paris.

The pair have recovered from shoulder and back injuries respectively with head coach Vern Cotter making five changes to the side that beat Italy 48-7 last weekend.

Centre Matt Scott comes in to start alongside Mark Bennett in the remaining change to the back division, while the inclusion of back-row John Hardie and lock Richie Gray complete the changes to the pack.

"We were pleased with a number of aspects of our performance against Italy but feel we still have a lot of work to get through before we begin the Rugby World Cup," Cotter said.

"France are a powerful and skilful side so this match will provide good assessment for this group, and another valuable insight into where we are at as a squad."

Scotland are drawn against South Africa, Japan, United States and Samoa in Pool B and will open their World Cup campaign against Japan on September 24.

Team: 15-Sean Maitland, 14-Tommy Seymour, 13-Mark Bennett, 12-Matt Scott, 11-Tim Visser, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Greig Laidlaw; 8-David Denton, 7-John Hardie, 6-Ryan Wilson 5-Jonny Gray 4-Richie Gray, 3-Willem Nel, 2-Ross Ford, 1-Alasdair Dickinson

Replacements: 16-Fraser Brown, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Jon Welsh, 19-Tim Swinson, 20-Alasdair Strokosch, 21-Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22-Duncan Weir, 23-Sean Lamont.

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