Johnny Sexton returns at fly-half for Ireland against Scotland

Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton has overcome a hamstring injury to lead Ireland in the upcoming third place play-off game in the Autumn Nations Cup against Scotland.

The 35-year-old will take the number 10 jersey with Billy Burns sidelined with an injury and will form halfback partnership with Conor Murray.

Jacob Stockdale will continue to remain at fullback with Hugo Keenan and Keith Earls retained at wings while Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw form centre partnership.

The front row sees a change with Cian Healy replacing Finlay Bealham. The final changes sees CJ Stander shifted from number eight to blindside and will be joined by Calean Doris and Peter O'Mahony.

Ronan Kelleher, Eric O’Sullivan, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park and Chris Farrell are fresh additions to the bench that already has John Ryan, Quinn Roux and Ross Byrne.

Ireland starting XV: 15 Jacob Stockdale, 14 Hugo Keenan, 13 Bundee Aki, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton (capt), 9 Conor Murray, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Peter O’Mahony, 6 CJ Stander, 5 James Ryan, 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Andrew Porter, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Cian Healy

Reserves: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 John Ryan, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Chris Farrell