Ireland predicted team v Scotland: Simon Easterby ignores ‘temptation’ to ‘silence the talk’ in fly-half battle
From left to right: Simon Easterby, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki
Defending champions Ireland come to Murrayfield in good spirits after a comeback win against England, but there are still some question marks looming over them.
They still look a far cry off the Grand Slam-winning team of 2023, and an argument can even be made they’ve regressed a touch from last year; but still, they manage to find a way to win in even the most tricky of circumstances.
Ireland were second-best to everything in that opening 40 minutes against England, however, they came out strong in the second-half and eventually won the game.
This weekend presents another monumental challenge against a Scotland side who could easily be crowned champions at the end of the Championship, so Ireland will need to deliver a full 80-minute performance to win.
But, will interim head coach Simon Easterby be tempted to roll out the changes? Or, will he stick to what he and his side know works? Well, with this thought in mind, here is our predicted Ireland team to take on Scotland.
Predicted Ireland team v Scotland
15 Hugo Keenan
It wasn’t his best performance against England, but we all know just how dangerous Hugo Keenan can be on a rugby pitch and that should keep him in the 15 jersey. Keenan is the all-round package at full-back, with his aerial skills and counter-attacking ability second to none, and if he plays well Ireland usually waltzs to a comfortable victory.
14 Calvin Nash
With Mack Hansen a major injury doubt, Calvin Nash could return to the starting XV. The Munster wing has done a pretty decent job deputising for Hansen over the past year, and this is another chance for him to show his true Test match ability.
13 Garry Ringrose
A massive game for Garry Ringrose this weekend, and he could very easily cement his spot in the Lions squad if he plays well. He will likely line up opposite main rival Huw Jones this weekend too, so it essentially makes this game an audition for that 13 jersey in the summer.
12 Bundee Aki
Stalwart centre Bundee Aki is really ageing like a fine wine, and he will once again be needed to hit his stride to overcome Scotland. His powerful, abrasive carrying has been at the heart of Ireland’s attack for some time now, and he must get them over the gainline against a pretty solid Scottish defence if they stand a chance of winning.
Ireland: Simon Easterby wary of Scotland side who are ‘as good as anyone on their day’
11 James Lowe
James Lowe looked back to his absolute best last weekend and is another player who has a good chance to get one over a major Lions rival with a solid performance. It just seemed like he was back to the Lowe we’ve come to know over the past few years, and for Ireland’s sake, you hope to see it again.
10 Sam Prendergast
It’s a big call, especially with the temptation to start Jack Crowley after his brilliant cameo, but Easterby will likely put his faith in Sam Prendergast. The Leinster fly-half didn’t do too much wrong, and for the most part had a decent game, but he needs a big game to silence the talk surrounding both him and the jersey.
9 Jamison Gibson-Park
Do we even need to explain why Jamison Gibson-Park will start? He’s just the beating heart of this Ireland side, and he’s already a shoo-in for the Lions – just an outstanding rugby player.
8 Caelan Doris
Again, do we even need to say why Caelan Doris will be in the team? The Leinsterman has just been exceptional this past year and again looks nailed on to tour this summer.
7 Josh van der Flier
The work-horse of the team, Josh van der Flier, is another man who is just indispensable in this Ireland side and he will surely join Doris in the back-row. That partnership is becoming something of a double act at the moment in the green jersey, and they both really complement each other.
6 Tadhg Beirne
With (spoiler alert) Joe McCarthy back in the squad, it will likely lead to Tadhg Beirne pushing back into the number six jersey, where he is probably at his best. The Munsterman is another truly exceptional player in this star-studded side, but you really get to see what he’s all about when he’s deployed in the back-row. Crucially, he adds that extra option at the lineout as well.
5 James Ryan
Keeping his spot in the engine room is James Ryan, whose work-horse mentality has been so crucial to Ireland’s success up front. He just runs around the pitch tirelessly, hitting breakdown after breakdown and making tackle after tackle, and will need to do this again this weekend.
4 Joe McCarthy
Leinster lock Joe McCarthy is looking likely to return to the Test stage this weekend, and that gives Ireland a major boost in the pack. McCarthy has been pretty consistent over the past year and adds some serious beef to their squad. His work in the lineout is also invaluable.
3 Tadhg Furlong
Talismanic tighthead Tadhg Furlong also looks set to make his long-awaited return this weekend, and it has come at the perfect time with Finlay Bealham a major doubt. Furlong’s work around the park has set the blueprint for the modern prop, and he also adds serious stability to the scrum. A welcome return for Furlong.
2 Dan Sheehan
After his brilliant cameo last weekend, Dan Sheehan will likely come into the starting XV. Like Furlong, he has set the standard for the modern hooker with his explosive power, kicking game (?!?!?) and genuine pace making him almost like an extra back but has his positional fundamentals nailed as well.
1 Andrew Porter
Rounding off the starting XV is Andrew Porter, who has been Ireland’s go-to loosehead for some time now. He just puts in increasingly good performances at Test level, and now he’s reunited with Sheehan and Furlong will likely have an even better outing.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Tom Clarkson, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Conor Murray 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Robbie Henshaw
The bench will likely have a similar feel to the one against England, even with the likes of Ronan Kelleher and Ryan Baird dropping down. Jack Crowley is the big name on here, and he will be keen to prove another point to get back into the starting XV.
READ NEXT: Sam Prendergast’s blunt verdict on his rivalry with Jack Crowley for Ireland fly-half berth
