Captain Cusiter aware Scotland must be on their mettle

Scotland captain Cusiter was one of nine Warriors players selected by Andy Robinson for his first championship game in charge, reflecting the club's blistering start to the domestic season.

But although Cusiter believes "familiarity" will be an asset this weekend, he insisted that alone would not be enough to secure victory.

"There's a level of familiarity about the Glasgow guys; we've been playing well all season," the scrum-half said. "But the point is, this is the Six Nations and it's a step up. From one to 22, we have to step up our game.

"Playing as we do in the Magners League won't be good enough on Sunday."

France's Jean-Baptiste Elissalde has been forced to pull out of the game and will be replaced by Toulouse team-mate Frederic Michalak.

It is the latest in a long line of injury problems for Les Bleus, who already had to make do without Biarritz trio Fabien Barcella, Damien Traille and Dimitri Yachvili before Sebastien Chabal and Romain Millo-Chluski were ruled out.

Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan has withdrawn from tomorrows's Six Nations opener against Italy because of a knee injury.

O'Callaghan's place in the starting line-up is taken by Leo Cullen of Leinster, who is promoted from the bench.

Munster forward Donnacha Ryan, who has won three caps, fills Cullen's place among the substitutes.