Bundee Aki returns as Ireland face Scotland

Ireland have named Bundee Aki in the matchday squad for the Six Nations finale against Scotland in Dublin, while Gregor Townsend has made three changes to Scotland’s starting pack for a match that could still shape the championship title.

Bundee Aki Returns For Ireland v Scotland

Aki is back in Ireland’s 23 after serving his suspension and has been named among the replacements for Saturday’s Aviva Stadium clash. His return strengthens Ireland’s midfield cover for a game that also carries Triple Crown and title implications.

Andy Farrell has restored several senior forwards to the starting side following last week’s win over Wales. Dan Sheehan returns at hooker, Joe McCarthy comes back into the second row, and Josh van der Flier is restored at openside flanker. Jack Conan keeps his place in the back row, while Jack Crowley continues at fly-half.

Tommy O’Brien is retained on the wing after his recent performances, while Jacob Stockdale drops out of the starting backline. Connacht lock Darragh Murray is included on the bench and could add to his early Ireland caps if called upon.

Scotland Make Three Pack Changes For Dublin Test

Scotland have made three changes to their starting XV, all in the forward pack. Zander Fagerson returns at tighthead prop, while Grant Gilchrist and Max Williamson come into the second row.

The backline remains unchanged, with Finn Russell and Ben White continuing at half-back and captain Sione Tuipulotu again partnering Huw Jones in midfield. Blair Kinghorn starts at full-back, with Darcy Graham and Kyle Steyn on the wings.

Ireland XV: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Tommy O’Brien, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jack Conan, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Tom O’Toole

Reserves: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 Nick Timoney, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Bundee Aki

Scotland XV: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Max Williamson, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Pierre Schoeman

Reserves: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 D’arcy Rae, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Magnus Bradbury, 21 George Horne, 22 Kyle Rowe, 23 Tom Jordan