Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made several key changes to his squad for this weekend’s Six Nations match against Ireland at Murrayfield.
The alterations include a long-awaited return for Rory Sutherland. The Glasgow Warriors star will make his first Six Nations start in three years, slotting in at loosehead prop as part of an updated front row alongside Dave Cherry and Zander Fagerson.
Sutherland’s return is one of three changes to the starting XV, with Tom Jordan also making his fifth appearance for Scotland in the midfield, partnering Huw Jones, who was named Player of the Match and scored a hat-trick in the win over Italy last weekend.
Additionally, Australia-born Jack Dempsey comes in for Jamie Ritchie at number eight.
Read more:
- Scotland vs Ireland: TV channel, live stream & kick-off
- Townsend says win over Italy will prepare Scotland for what is to come
In the backs, Scotland remain unchanged, with Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe continuing in the back three. Co-captain Finn Russell and Ben White retain their half-back partnership.
The second row remains solid with Jonny Gray and Grant Gilchrist again selected, while co-captain Rory Darge continues his role on the openside flank.
Scotland will once again feature six forwards and two backs on the bench, with Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, and Will Hurd providing front-row reinforcements.
Recent call-up Sam Skinner, who last appeared during the 2024 Six Nations, is included in the forward replacements along with Gregor Brown and Jamie Ritchie. Backs Jamie Dobie and Stafford McDowall complete the bench.
Scotland haven’t defeated the Republic of Ireland at rugby since 2017 and Townsend’s men will be desperate to change that in Edinburgh on Sunday.
"With Jack, it was just a case of getting him more minutes. He would've liked to have played more but he's trained really well and is looking confident. He made a really good impact [vs Italy] like Tom did. I really thought Tom called for the ball a lot, he was very active and aggressive in defence. It was just a real follow up from what he'd done so well for us in November."
Here’s the Scotland in full:
Starting XV: Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ben White, Rory Sutherland, Dave Cherry, Zander Fagerson, Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Sam Skinner,Gregor Brown, Jamie Ritchie, Jamie Dobie, Stafford McDowall
