All Welsh eyes will be on Paris on Friday as they become Scotland fans for one night.
With the Six Nations title out of Wales’ hands, it is now down to Gregor Townsend’s side to do enough to make sure France do not snatch the crown.
But Scotland’s task has just become a little bit tougher after it emerged they will be without several players due to the details of their agreement with Premiership Rugby over the release of English-based players.
Once the game that was originally due to take place on February 28 was postponed due to a Covid outbreak in the French camp, there were concerns over whether the teams would have access to players for a rearranged game with the likelihood of it taking place outside of the international window.
Last week it was eventually confirmed it was to be rescheduled for Friday, March 26 and fears over the release of players were alleviated once it was revealed on Saturday night during the game between France and Wales that Premiership Rugby were following the LNR – the French National Rugby League – in reaching an agreement with the Six Nations.
However, when Scotland announced a 29-man squad to prepare for the game there were some notable omissions of players who ply their trade further south.
The most high-profile absentee is Sean Maitland, who has started in three of their four championship games so far, along with Jonny Gray but the Exeter lock is out with a shoulder injury.
Bath prop Jamie Bhatti, Worcester back rower Cornell du Preez, Sale hooker Ewan Ashman, Harlequins centre James Lang and Saracens’ Duncan Taylor have also dropped out of the squad after reports that Scotland were limited over how many English-based players they could pick.
Although Saracens are in the Championship following their relegation last season, they are still a PRL member and that means Maitland and Taylor could be playing at Richmond on Friday night rather than at the Stade de France.
Townsend has been able to name just five English-based players in the squad, all of whom were involved against Italy on Saturday, with captain Stuart Hogg retaining his place alongside Exeter team-mate Sam Skinner, while Gloucester pair Chris Harris and Alex Craig and Harlequins scrum-half Scott Steele have also been included.
It left him with a tough decision over who to leave out and Maitland is the unlucky one with the likely return of Finn Russell and a recall for Adam Hastings meaning Hogg can return to the full-back spot the Saracens man filled last weekend.
Premiership Rugby have strict rules over the release of their players outside of international windows and there have been many cases in the past where Wales have been without some of their star men during autumn fixtures.
English clubs are under no obligation to make their players available for Scotland on Friday night but it was understood they have been compensated as part of the agreement with the limit appearing to be a compromise to sweeten the deal.
