Sexton out of France clash
The 2018 Six Nations' most iconic moment was Johnny Sexton's long-range drop-goal which handed Ireland a dramatic victory over France in Paris, setting them on their way for a grand slam.
However, the 36-year-old will be unable to replicate such heroics this time around as he has been ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered in training.
The Ireland captain will be replaced by Munster's Joey Carbery who will finally get his Six Nations chance after years spent in the 2019 World Player of the Year's shadow.
The rest of Ireland's team is unchanged from their convincing opening weekend win over Wales in Dublin as Mack Hansen keeps his place following a Player of the Round performance last Saturday.
Andy Farrell will be hoping that France show similar form to what they showed in Paris last weekend as they toiled to beat Italy at Stade De France.
Both France & Ireland beat the All Blacks in autumn, marking them out as Six Nations favourites and the winner here will take a huge psychological boost into the rest of the competition.
France have named Yoram Moefana in their squad as the Bordeux Bègles centre makes his first Six Nations start, replacing Jonathan Danty with the other change being in the back-row as François Cros replaces Dylan Cretin.
Fabien Galthié has returned from COVID isolation that saw him miss the Italy fixture and has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench with Thibaud Flament a new name among the replacements.
Scotland ring changes for Wales fixture
Gregor Townsend has made five changes from his side's impressive Calcutta Cup victory over England at Murrayfield last weekend and has picked an entirely new front row for the game at the Millenium Stadium.
Scotland head to Cardiff with Pierre Schoeman, Stuart McInally and WP Nel all coming in while Sam Skinner of Exeter replaces the injured ,Jamie Ritchie.
Last week's front row looks to have been rested as Rory Sutherland, George Turner and Zander Fagerson all take their places on the bench looking to make an impact in the second-half.
Sione Tuipulotu gets the nod instead of Sam Johnson in the centres while Cameron Redpath could add to his solitary cap from the bench, after helping Scotland to a win over England at Twickenham last February.
For Wales meanwhile, changes were necessary after a disappointing start to the competition resulted in heavy defeat to Ireland in Dublin.
Jac Morgan receives his test debut in the back-row while Ross Moriarty also comes in at Number-8 as Ellis Jenkins and Aaron Wainwright miss out.
Josh Adams, who endured a difficult time in Dublin has a calf injury and is replaced by Owen Watkin in the centres and Alex Cuthbert makes his first Six Nations appearance in five years, replacing Jonny McNicoll.
Captain Dan Biggar will make his 100th test appearance, which includes three for the British and Irish Lions while Jonathan Davies could join him on that milestone if he comes off the bench.
