Gregor Townsend has made four changes to Scotland’s starting XV from the team that faced Wales for this weekend’s clash with Ireland at Murrayfield.
Saracens winger Sean Maitland gets the nod to start the game ahead of Darcy Graham, while Sam Johnson is favoured at centre over James Lang.
There are a further two changes in the forwards. Prop WP Nel replaces Zander Fagerson and James Ritchie comes in for Blade Thomson at flanker.
“We are well aware of the threats posed by an experienced Ireland squad and our players have prepared for a contest they know is going to require one of their best performances,” said Townsend earlier this week ahead of Sunday’s game.
“We had prepared well for our postponed game against France, and the players have adapted well to the change of plans and have brought real energy and focus to our training sessions this week.
“Playing Ireland is always a physical affair and one that demands you keep stepping up to make tackles or contest for possession. They have played well in their opening three games and have some outstanding players in their squad. It should be a cracking game.”
Scotland sit fifth in the Six Nations standings with five points having defeated England in their opening game before a one-point defeat at home to Wales last time out. Townsend’s men were set to face France two weeks ago, but the game was postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the French camp.
Ireland recovered from defeats in their opening two games against Wales and France by comfortably defeating Italy. They lie in third place on seven points, two ahead of Scotland.
Scotland starting XV to face Ireland (Sunday, KO 15:00):
15. Stuart Hogg
14. Sean Maitland
13. Chris Harris
12. Sam Johnson
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Finn Russell
9. Ali Price
8. Matt Ferguson
7. Hamish Watson
6. Jamie Ritchie
5. Jonny Gray
4. Scott Cummings
3. WP Nel
2. George Turner
1. Rory Sutherland
Replacements:
16. David Cherry
17. Jamie Bhatti
18. Simon Berghan
19. Grant Gilchrist
20. Nick Haining
21. Scott Steele
22. Huw Jones
23. Darcy Graham
