Lions O’Mahony and Henshaw start as “bomb squad” gets retained
Head coach Simon Easterby has made two changes to the starting lineup for Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Scotland on Sunday. The experienced veterans Peter O’Mahony and Robbie Henshaw start in place of Ryan Baird and Garry Ringrose, both of whom drop to the bench. Caelan Doris once again captains the side from the base of the scrum.
The back three remain unchanged for the sixth game in a row as Hugo Keenan starts at full back with Mack Hansen and James Lowe on the wings. Hansen was an injury concern this week but has recovered to retain his starting shirt ahead of Limerick’s Calvin Nash.
It’s a switch of Leinster centres in the midfield with Henshaw replacing Ringrose. The switch means a reunion of former Connacht centres as Henshaw starts alongside Bundee Aki. Sam Prendergast is also retained at ten alongside Jamison Gibson-Park, meaning Jack Crowley’s stellar display is not enough to start.
There’s just one change in the pack with O’Mahony returning to win his 111th test cap. Ryan Baird drops to the bench with Iain Henderson out of the matchday squad. Finlay Bealham has also relayed fears of a midweek injury as he starts alongside Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher in the front row. James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris round out the side.
The replacements bench proved vital last week, so Ireland have decided to keep some talismanic strength in reserve. Dan Sheehan, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Jack Crowley and Garry Ringrose will all be expected to add a dynamic energy when called upon.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has also held himself to just three changes. Bristol-bound utility back Tom Jordan replaces Glasgow teammate Stafford McDowell at 12.
In the pack there’s starts for Rory Sutherland and Jack Dempsey. The pair were substitutes last weekend but have swapped shirts with Pierre Schoeman and Jamie Ritchie.
Townsend has also elected to reshuffle the replacements. Sam Skinner and Jamie Dobie are set for season debuts in an experienced 6/2 bench.
Both teams won their opening round clashes with England and Italy respectively, and come into this one in fine form. Ireland are seeking an historic third title in a row, but they cannot afford to think too far ahead, even if they’ve won the last ten meetings between the two.
The kickoff in this one is at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, and live coverage will be on RTÉ 2 and BBC One.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (captain).
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Tom Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Garry Ringrose.
Scotland: Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell (co-captain), Ben White; Rory Sutherland, Dave Cherry, Zander Fagerson; Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge (co-captain), Matt Fagerson.
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Sam Skinner, Gregor Brown, Jamie Ritchie, Jamie Dobie, Stafford McDowell.
Referee: James Doleman (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (NZR) & Luc Ramos (FFR)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
FPRO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)