A memorable Six Nations title will be on for Ireland provided they beat Scotland at the Aviva Stadium to at least temporarily move above France at the table summit on Saturday.
The boys in green head into the final round of fixtures sat two points behind Les Bleus, who will win their first championship since 2010 (and their first Grand Slam ever) if they beat England in the late kick-off. Ireland's focus will be entirely on Gregor Townsend's side, however, who are looking to triumph in Dublin for the first time since 2010.
Having already overcome challenges from Wales and England, a home win would also bring Ireland their first Triple Crown since they won the Grand Slam in 2018. Captain Johnny Sexton is only too wary of underestimating the opponent, too, assuring Scotland deserve respect as they target a climb to third place.
“We definitely won’t be underestimating them," Ireland's skipper and star fly-half told reporters this week. "We know some of the big results that they’ve had over the last couple of years are away from home. They hadn’t a good record away from home and then in the last couple of years they’ve beaten France, they’ve beaten England. Wales as well. They’ve had some big scalps away from home."
Head coach Andy Farrell has made three changes from the team that beat England 32-15 at Twickenham a week ago, including the recall of Connacht winger Mack Hansen in place of injured Andrew Conway (knee). Lock James Ryan is also replaced after failing to recover from the head injury he suffered as a result of Charlie Ewels' red card just 82 seconds into their win over England.
Scotland have made the unexpected decision to drop British and Irish Lions-capped Finn Russell in place of Edinburgh's Blair Kinghorn at fly-half. Exeter full-back Stuart Hogg will continue the skipper the team in their search of an upset, while Kyle Steyn deputises again for suspended winger Duhan van der Merwe.
Victory on Saturday would see Ireland tie their longest win streak against Scotland so far this century (seven), having failed to best that tally since beating them nine times straight between 1939 and 1954. Townsend & Co. may not have a Six Nations title on the line travelling to the Aviva, though Ireland's relentless record in this rivalry in recent years will be sufficient motivation to cause an upset.
Here are all the key details you need before Ireland stage their final bid for Six Nations supremacy.
What time is Ireland vs Scotland?
Scotland make the trip to Ireland as steep underdogs, and the penultimate fixture of this year's championship will kick off at 4.45pm.
Where can I watch it?
The last of Ireland's home Six Nations matches will be broadcast via ITV, and coverage gets underway at 4pm.
The game will also be live streamed on supported devices via the ITV Hub.
Team news
Ireland:Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson Park; Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Robbie Henshaw.
Scotland:Stuart Hogg (capt); Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Sam Johnson, Kyle Steyn; Blair Kinghorn, Ali Price; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist, Rory Darge, Hamish Watson, Matt Fagerson.
Replacements:Fraser Brown, Allan Dell, WP Nel, Sam Skinner, Josh Bayliss, Ben White, Finn Russell, Mark Bennett.
Betting odds
Ireland: 1/9
Scotland: 11/2
Draw: 40/1
Odds from Ladbrokes and subject to change
Read More
Read More
