Ireland team v Scotland: Star centre dropped as Simon Easterby rolls the dice with ex-captain returning for huge Murrayfield clash
Garry Ringrose, who has been dropped to the bench, alongside Bundee Aki, and former captain Peter O'Mahony.
Ireland have decided to tweak their team for the Six Nations game against Scotland with the return of the experienced flanker Peter O’Mahony.
The back-rower lines up at blindside in place of Ryan Baird, who drops to the bench after starting in the 27-22 victory over England last weekend.
There is one more change from that triumph as Robbie Henshaw comes in for Garry Ringrose at centre as he combines with Bundee Aki in the midfield.
Elsewhere, they are unchanged as Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe once again combine in the Ireland back three.
Key number 10 selection
Sam Prendergast remains at fly-half, despite a mixed display in Round One and the impressive impact from Jack Crowley, and he partners Jamison Gibson-Park in the key decision-making positions.
Up front, O’Mahony is the only alteration and he joins Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris to form an experienced and gifted loose trio.
With Joe McCarthy still absent, Tadhg Beirne is in the second-row alongside James Ryan, while Finlay Bealham once again deputises at the tighthead with Tadhg Furlong still on the sidelines.
Bealham combines with Ronan Kelleher and Andrew Porter in a front-row which put in a good showing against England.
As a result of Kelleher’s selection, Dan Sheehan will continue in his role as an impact replacement after starring on his return to the Ireland side in Round One of the Six Nations.
Sam Prendergast’s blunt verdict on his rivalry with Jack Crowley for Ireland fly-half berth
Their bench was key in their superb second half against England and they will hope to make a similar impression at Murrayfield this weekend.
Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Conor Murray and Crowley also remain as replacements this weekend, but they have been joined by Baird and Ringrose.
“Sunday’s game presents a significant challenge against a Scotland side that had a very good Autumn Nations Series and have started the Six Nations with a positive bonus point win over Italy,” interim head coach Simon Easterby said.
“We have taken confidence from the win over England this week and there are undoubtedly areas for improvement.
“Selection was a real challenge again which reinforces the competition for places. As we approach Round 2, it’s about improvement and building momentum.
“We know that we will need to start the game strongly and meet their physical challenge.”
Ireland’s team to face Scotland
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Garry Ringrose
Date: Sunday, February 9
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Luc Ramos (France)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
