SCOTLAND and Ireland look to build on first-round victories as they clash at Murrayfield in the Six Nations.
Big wins for both sides over Italy and England, respectively, have put them in the conversation to challenge for the Six Nations title again this year.
CRAIG WATSONFinn Russell almost let Italy back into the game last weekend[/caption]
James Lowe was a key part of Ireland’s opening day win over EnglandSportsfile
Gregor Townsend’s Scotland survived a second-half scare against Italy to win 31-19 on the opening day, but the Italians put Scotland on alert.
Ireland were slow to get out of the blocks in Dublin, conceding early to Cadan Murley, but turned the game upside down, opening up a 17-point lead at one point.
Last year, Ireland overcame Scotland 17-13 to win the Six Nations for the second time in two years.
With many calling this Scotland’s last chance to win the tournament during their “golden generation,” a big win over Ireland could help guide them towards a first title since 1999.
Scotland vs Ireland lineups
Gregor Townsend has made three changes to the side that beat Italy last week, with Tom Jordan, the new man at centre next to Huw Jones, in place of Sione Tuipulotu
SCOTLAND XV: 15. B Kinghorn, 14. D Graham, 13. H Jones, 12. T Jordan, 11. D van der Merwe, 10. F Russell (C-C), 9. B White; 1. R Sutherland, 2. D Cherry, 3. Z Fagerson, 4. J Gray, 5. G Gilchrist, 6. M Fagerson, 7. R Darge (C-C), 8. J Depmsey
Replacements: 16. E Ashman, 17. P Schoeman, 18. W Hurd, 19. S Skinner, 20. G Brown, 21. J Ritchie, 22. J Dobie 23. S McDowall
Simon Easterby makes two changes to the team who were winners against England in Dublin, with experienced flanker Peter O’Mahony coming in for Ryan Baird.
IRELAND XV: 15. H Keenan, 14. C Nash, 13. R Henshaw, 12. B Aki, 11. J Lowe, 10. S Prendergast, 9. J Gibson-Park; 1. A Porter, 2. R Kelleher, 3. F Bealham, 4. J Ryan, 5. T Bernie, 6. P O’Mahony, 7. J van der Flier, 8. C Doris (C)
Replacements: 16. D Sheehan, 17. C Healy, 18. T Clarkson, 19. R Baird, 20. J Conan, 21. C Murray, 22. J Crowley, 23. G Ringrose
How to watch Scotland vs Ireland
The clash will take place live on BBC1 on Sunday, February 9.
The game will also be available to stream FREE on BBC iPlayer.
Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live coverage of Scotland vs Ireland.
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