Oli Kebble has been called up for Six Nations duty as Scotland coach Gregor Townsend scrambles to negate the loss of five players to injury ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France.

Scotland will face the log leaders without Rory Sutherland, Jonny Gray, Javan Sebastian, Scott Cummings and Cam Redpath.

Sutherland suffered a rib injury in a disappointing defeat by Wales last time out, while Gray is nursing an ankle injury.

All five players have returned to their clubs but have not yet been ruled out for the rest of the tournament, with games against Italy and Ireland to follow.

Kebble, Kiran McDonald, James Lang, Ollie Smith, Simon Berghan and Marshall Sykes have been drafted in to bolster Townsend’s squad for the daunting task of facing tournament favourites France.

“This is a great opportunity for the new players to impress and force their way into our match-day squad,” said Townsend.

“The attritional nature of the Six Nations means there are often changes made to the squad throughout the championship and it is a challenge we are much-better equipped to deal with given our current squad depth.”

There is also some good news for Townsend on the injury front as Josh Bayliss, who missed the opening two matches against England and Wales with a concussion, scored a try on his return to action for Bath this past weekend and will be available for selection against the French.

France lead the Six Nations with two wins from two as they aim for a first Grand Slam since 2010.

Hopes were high Scotland could challenge for their first championship win since the Six Nations expanded with the introduction of Italy in 2000.

However, after an tense opening win over England, Townsend’s men lost 20-17 in Cardiff.

© Agence France-Presse