Key figure returns for Ireland
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland’s interim head coach Simon Easterby has made two changes to the squad that will take on Scotland in the Six Nations Round Two match.
Following last weekend’s victory over England in Dublin, Ireland travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland on Sunday.
Peter O’Mahony and Robbie Henshaw return to the team for Sunday’s clash while Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen both passed fit to keep their places.
The prop Bealham (ankle) and wing Hansen (knee) sustained knocks in their 27-22 win over England in Round One.
However, both have been deemed fit.
The selection of O’Mahony and Henshaw in the starting line-up sees flank Ryan Baird and centre Garry Ringrose drop to the bench.
O’Mahony will earn his 111th Ireland cap as a starter in a back row alongside Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris.
Henshaw joined Bundee Aki in the midfield.
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Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe start in an unchanged Ireland back three, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast continue in the halfbacks.
Up front, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham once again pack down in the front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.
“Sunday’s game presents a significant challenge against a Scotland side that had a very good Nations Series and have started the Six Nations with a positive bonus point win over Italy,” Easterby said.
“We have taken confidence from the win over England this week and there are undoubtedly areas for improvement.
“Selection was a real challenge again which reinforces the competition for places. As we approach Round 2, it’s about improvement and building momentum. We know that we will need to start the game strongly and meet their physical challenge.”
Team:
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (captain), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter.
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Garry Ringrose.
Date: Sunday, February 9
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: James Doleman (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (NZR) & Luc Ramos (FFR)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
