Scotland v France Murrayfield: Kick-off 4.00 On television Network 2, BBC 1Bill McLaren will be signing off for the last time in the Edinburgh gloaming this evening. But if the final home game for the "voice of rugby" is to finish on a high note against the Grand-Slam chasing French, an outhalf plying his trade at Castres may be responsible.

Worryingly for Scotland, though, Gregor Townsend will run out for his record-equalling 65th cap with his right ankle strapped, the legacy of an injury in a club game last weekend.

Townsend, who will equal Scott Hastings' record, will be reunited in midfield with John Leslie who returns at inside-centre in place of Andrew Henderson, dropped after the 43-22 drubbing in Dublin. The pair enjoyed a potent attacking partnership in the late 1990s, one that reached its high point three years ago in Paris when the Scots ran in five tries in their last victory against the French. Leslie's brother Martin, scorer of two tries that day, is also restored to the Scottish back row today with Jason White moving to the second row.

Townsend seems gloomy about Scotland's chances of stopping France win this fixture for the third successive year. "Ireland didn't have to work for tries against us and if we play like we did in Dublin it could be 60 or 70 points. France are striving for excellence and are looking for great performances, not just victories. It suggests they are operating on a higher plane now."

One plus point in a flat campaign for the Scots has been the place-kicking of Brendan Laney. It may not be enough today, however.

Guardian Service.