Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new second row and Zander Fagerson returns to the starting XV as Scotland chase down Ireland with a victory that could lead to a first Six Nations title.
Scotland beat France 50-40 at Murrayfield to make them title contenders for the first time since winning the title in the Old Five Nations in 1999.
advertise
However, Scotland have lost their last 11 games against Ireland, have not won in Dublin since 2010 and have never won four games in the Six Nations.
They also need defending champions France to lose at home to England.
Head coach Gregor Townsend insisted his side were “energetic” and “loved playing together” after an incredible performance against France, but he played down the issue of treating the Dublin showdown as a cup final.
“We haven’t discussed that yet,” he said of the various title permutations. “This is the last chance for this team to go out and compete. It’s really out of our control. We can only do certain things, and that’s a good thing in a way.”
advertise
“This is a game against a team that has been dominant for many years. They have a great record at home.
“It’s a challenge but also an opportunity for us to perform better than we did last week.”
Locke Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, who started in the wins over England and France, are missing through injury.
Gilchrist will make his 88th appearance for the national team, becoming the record holder for the second team in Scotland history. Williamson was given a second chance after being substituted early in Wales’ comeback win.
Jander Fagerson came on as a substitute midway through the game against France to regain his place from Darcy Wray.
advertise
Winger Keir Steyn, who scored three times in the Championship, is back fit after sustaining a leg injury last weekend.
There are some changes on the bench, with back-row Magnus Bradbury, lock Alex Craig and winger/full-back Kyle Rowe moving into Round 23 for the first time this season.
Winger Duhan van der Merwe is among those missing, along with backup defender Adam Hastings and support players Elliot Miller-Mills and Nathan McBeth.
Jamie Leach and Jamie Dobie were injured earlier in the game.
How can Scotland win the title?
If Scotland beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and England beat France away, the title will be theirs.
advertise
A bonus-point win for Scotland and a regular four-point victory for France were also enough to move Scotland to the top of the table.
If France loses without earning two bonus points, a draw would do the trick.
‘Huge confidence in Williamson’ – Analysis
This is – this is probably Townsend’s biggest choice in charge of Scotland. We wondered who would partner Gilchrist in the second row and thought it might be Craig. It’s not.
Surprisingly, Williamson is a big man, talented but not yet at his best, having been dropped early in Cardiff and not making France’s 23-man squad. Townsend showed great faith in him.
advertise
Xander Fagerson also started after coming on as a substitute against France. What’s the thinking there?
After a poor start in 11 straight defeats to Ireland, Townsend perhaps gave his side the best chance of holding on to an early lead rather than reserving their heavy guns later in the day, as Fagerson did.
Ray continues to be a great operator off the bench. They will likely play close to 40 minutes each, as they did last weekend. Empty the water tank and get out of the car.
Craig sat on the bench, full of energy. The same goes for Bradbury, which seems like a shrewd decision. Bradbury was a very stubborn man.
advertise
Rowe made his first tournament squad as part of a 5-3 reserve unit. The score was 6-2 last weekend. Lowe deserves it. He is a strong force for Glasgow.
Sorry for missing Josh Bayliss and Freddie Douglas.
Scotland line-up
[BBC]
Scotland: Kinghorn, Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (captain), Steyn, Russell, White; Schoolman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Dutch, Dempsey.
Subs: Ashman, Sutherland, Ray, Craig, Bradbury, Horn, Rowe, Jordan.
