Scotland announces three changes ahead of Ireland clash

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes to his squad for the upcoming Six Nations clash against defending champions Ireland, with loosehead prop Rory Sutherland returning to the starting lineup.

Sutherland, who has been a part of the Scotland setup since 2016, will earn his 39th cap when he takes to the field at Murrayfield on Sunday.

The 32-year-old has been given the nod over Pierre Schoeman, who has been Scotland’s preferred loosehead prop since making his debut in 2021. Schoeman will start from the bench in this crucial encounter.

Another change in the forward pack sees Jack Dempsey return to the No. 8 position, pushing former Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie to the bench.

Dempsey’s inclusion adds physicality and experience to the Scottish back row as they prepare to take on the reigning Six Nations champions.

In the only change to the backline, Glasgow Warriors’ Tom Jordan replaces Stafford McDowall at inside centre. Jordan, known for his versatility, will partner Huw Jones in midfield.

Jones had a standout performance in the opening-round victory over Italy, scoring a hat-trick of tries in Scotland’s 31-19 win at Murrayfield.

Scotland will be looking to break a long-standing losing streak against Ireland, having lost their last 10 meetings with the Irish.

The defending champions opened their campaign with a hard-fought 27-22 victory over England in Dublin and are aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations title.

Scotland: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Tom Jordan, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell (cc), 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge (cc), 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Dave Cherry, 1 Rory Sutherland

Reserves: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Jamie Ritchie, 22 Jamie Dobie, 23 Stafford McDowall