Scotland Call Up Quartet for Crucial France Trip in Guinness Six Nations
Adam Hastings, Jack Mann, Alexander Masibaka and Kyle Steyn have been recalled

Scotland Call Up Quartet for Crucial France Trip in Guinness Six Nations

As the 2025 Guinness Six Nations heads into its final stretch, Scotland has made key squad changes ahead of their pivotal match against France at the Stade de France on Saturday, 15 March. The national team has added four players to their roster: Adam Hastings, Jack Mann, Alexander Masibaka, and Kyle Steyn. These players will join a talented squad as Scotland looks to improve on their performance in this year’s tournament and finish strong.

Key Call-Ups for Scotland: The Return of Key Players

Adam Hastings: A Welcome Return for Scotland’s Backline

Adam Hastings, the talented fly-half, is one of the most notable call-ups for Scotland ahead of the France trip. After suffering a fractured jaw during a club match for Glasgow against Scarlets last autumn, Hastings had been sidelined for several months. However, he made a successful return to club rugby earlier this month and is now ready to rejoin the national squad.

Hastings’ experience and skill in orchestrating Scotland’s attack will be a welcome addition to the team. As a key playmaker for Scotland, Hastings’ return strengthens the backline and provides much-needed depth, especially as the team gears up for one of the toughest matches of their campaign. His familiarity with the Scotland setup and his ability to control the game will be crucial for ensuring a competitive edge against the formidable French side.

Jack Mann: Returning After Concussion

Another important addition to the Scotland squad is back-rower Jack Mann. Mann was involved in the build-up to Scotland’s first three matches in the 2025 Six Nations but was forced to miss last week’s clash after sustaining a concussion playing for Glasgow Warriors against Ospreys. Now recovered, Mann will bolster Scotland’s forward pack with his experience and physicality.

His return adds depth to the back row, and his work rate at the breakdown and in open play will be vital as Scotland faces off against one of the tournament’s top teams. As Scotland aims to counter the power of France’s forwards, Mann’s presence will be crucial in disrupting their momentum and ensuring a solid defensive setup.

Kyle Steyn: A Long-Awaited Return

Kyle Steyn, the Glasgow captain, has also been added to the squad after an extended period on the sidelines with a knee injury. Having not played since January, Steyn is still in the process of recovering, but he will continue that journey with Scotland during the crucial match against France. His return will add experience and leadership to the backline, particularly in terms of his defensive capabilities and his ability to break the gain line.

Although he hasn’t seen much game time this year, Steyn’s return is a positive sign for Scotland, as his power and leadership qualities will be important assets in facing a highly physical French side. His fitness leading up to the match will be closely monitored, but Steyn’s inclusion could prove pivotal for Scotland in their push for a strong finish.

Alexander Masibaka: A Surprise Call-Up

Scotland call up quartet for France trip

Scotland call up quartet for France trip

In a surprising move, Scotland has called up Alexander Masibaka, who plays in France’s second division with Soyaux-Angouleme. Masibaka was originally selected in Scotland’s squad before their opening win over Italy but has not featured in any Six Nations matches so far. His inclusion adds fresh depth to the forward pack, and his physical style of play could offer a point of difference for Scotland in what promises to be a high-intensity match against France.

Squad Changes: The Dropped Players

As Scotland prepares for their match against France, several players who have not featured prominently in the tournament have been released from the squad. Leicester Tigers lock Cameron Henderson, Sale Sharks wing Arron Reed, Bath centre Cameron Redpath, and Northampton Saints centre Rory Hutchinson are the players who have been dropped from the roster and will return to their respective clubs. None of these players have seen game time during the 2025 Six Nations, so their departure will allow the national team to focus on players who are more likely to feature in the upcoming match.

While the absence of these players may reduce the squad depth, the call-ups of Hastings, Steyn, Mann, and Masibaka ensure that Scotland retains a strong and versatile lineup for their final match of the Six Nations. These squad changes reflect the ongoing strategy of adapting to injury concerns and making the most of available resources.

Scotland’s Position in the Six Nations Standings

As Scotland heads into their final match of the 2025 Six Nations, they currently sit in fourth place on the table, with one match remaining. Although their hopes of winning the championship are slim, Scotland still has an outside chance, depending on how the other matches play out. A win over France would not only end the tournament on a high note but could also help improve their final position in the standings.

France, on the other hand, is in a strong position, leading the Six Nations standings by a point over England following their dominant victory over Ireland. With such a tight competition at the top, Scotland knows they must give their all to try and secure a victory in Paris and finish the tournament on a positive note.

Match Preview: Scotland vs. France

Match Preview: Scotland vs. France

Match Preview: Scotland vs. France

The match between Scotland and France is set to take place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday, 15 March, with a 20:00 GMT kick-off. The venue promises to provide an electric atmosphere as both teams fight for a positive result in the final match of the Six Nations.

France enters the game as the clear favorites, with a powerful squad and the advantage of playing on home soil. However, Scotland has proven to be a resilient and competitive team throughout the tournament, and they will be eager to challenge the French dominance. The return of key players like Hastings, Steyn, and Mann will give Scotland the edge in terms of experience and versatility, and they will be determined to make a statement in what will be a high-pressure environment.

The battle will likely be won in the forwards, where Scotland will need to use their physicality and tactical nous to match the power of the French pack. The inclusion of players like Mann, Steyn, and Masibaka, as well as the return of key backs like Hastings, will give Scotland a fighting chance against the formidable French side.

What to Expect from Scotland’s Performance

As Scotland heads into their final match of the 2025 Six Nations, they will be focused on finishing the tournament strongly. The addition of key players like Hastings, Steyn, and Mann will provide the team with extra firepower, and their presence will be crucial in both attack and defense. Scotland will need to be at their best in every aspect of the game, from the scrum to the breakdown, and their handling of the ball in open play will be essential.

While it will be a challenging task to defeat a powerful French team at home, Scotland has shown that they can compete with the best when they play their best rugby. This match will be an opportunity for Scotland to end the Six Nations on a high and build momentum for future campaigns.

Conclusion: Scotland’s Final Push in the Six Nations

With several key players returning for the final match against France, Scotland will look to finish the 2025 Six Nations with a strong performance. The squad changes, including the call-ups of Adam Hastings, Jack Mann, Kyle Steyn, and Alexander Masibaka, will bolster the team and provide them with the strength and experience they need to challenge France in Paris. As Scotland looks to close out their campaign on a positive note, the match against France will be a test of their resilience, skill, and determination. Despite the challenges ahead, Scotland has everything to play for and will give their all in the final push of this year’s Six Nations.

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