Heineken Cup
Southwell set for scrum-half switch
Scrum.com
January 15, 2010
Stade Francais fullback Hugo Southwell counter-attacks, Bath v Stade Francais, Heineken Cup, The Rec, October 18, 2009
Hugo Southwell is set to start at No.9 for Stade © Getty Images
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Stade Francais will be forced to field Scottish international fullback Hugo Southwell at scrum-half for their Heineken Cup showdown with Bath at the Stade Jean Bouin on Saturday.

The French giants are still reeling from the 23-week ban handed to Julien Dupuy for gouging Ulster's Stephen Ferris in a previous round and count Charlie Davies and Noel Oelschig among a lengthening injury list. Their final option at No.9, Benjamin Tardy, is not registered for European competition.

Stade coach Jacques Delmas believes that Southwell, who started at fly-half in a victory for Scotland 'A' over Tonga in November, has the skill-set to succeed this weekend due to his experience in youth rugby.

"[Southwell] played at scrum-half until the age of 18," Delmas told AFP. "Considering the weather conditions that we'll be facing, Hugo has a left boot worth considering and a very good pass. He's also very good at cover defence.

"We've got total confidence in Hugo. With Didier Faugeron [assistant coach], we decided it was the best choice to make."

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