Ireland’s team to play Scotland has been named and a few surprises! Peter O’Mahony comes in, as does Henshaw.
Ireland team to play Scotland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris. Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Garry Ringrose
A view from the opposition: More than any other nation in the world it’s Ireland that Scotland want to beat, writes Tom English.
“Last year was tight, a four-point game in which Scotland gave Ireland a free seven when they botched a lineout and Dan Sheehan went over. You could argue that Ireland are inflicting this hurt on Scotland – and you’d be right – but the way they see it is that in many cases they are inflicting this hurt on themselves – and they’re also right.”
[ More than any other nation in the world it’s Ireland that Scotland want to beatOpens in new window ]
Some snap comment from head coach Simon Easterby about the team:
“Selection was a real challenge again which reinforces the competition for places. As we approach Round two, it’s about improvement and building momentum. We know that we will need to start the game strongly and meet their physical challenge.”
From Gerry Thornley:
Peter O’Mahony is set to make a surprise return to the Irish backrow after being named by Simon Easterby for the Guinness 2025 Six Nations second round match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
The interim Irish head coach has made two changes from the starting XV in the 27-22 win over England in round one last weekend. As well as O’Mahony’s selection at blindside ahead of Ryan Baird, who drops to the bench at the expense of Iain Henderson, Robbie Henshaw is promoted from the replacements to partner Bundee Aki in midfield. This is an unexpected exchange of roles with Garry Ringrose, who is named at number 23.
Otherwise, the match-day 23 remains unchanged, with Sam Prendergast retained, as expected, at outhalf for what will be his fifth cap and fourth successive start at outhalf ahead of his 22nd birthday next week.
As well as the half-backs, the back three of Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan and James Lowe remains the same, as does the frontrow of Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham, as well as the secondrow of James Ryan and Tadgh Beirne.
Gordon D’Arcy writes about momentum and what the great Richie McCaw used to say “Momentum is massive in rugby. When you have it, everything seems easier. When you lose it, you’re scrambling to get it back.”
It transpired in the England game as “Ireland’s final try of the match underlined McCaw’s original point, while illustrating Sheehan’s high rugby IQ that complements his physical gifts. It sets him apart as a hooker in global terms. He had multiple involvements which started with his tip-on pass that sent Conan through the English defensive line.
“Rather than chase the break, Sheehan took a panoramic view and drifted towards space in a wider channel. His decision was rewarded when the ball found him and his 25-metre pass gave Lowe the run on Tommy Freeman who had to turn and ended up being bounced in the tackle. The hooker then supported to take the return pass and score.
“As McCaw said, when you have that momentum, everything clicks, passes stick, running lines are judged to perfection, right pace and timing and a team nails the opportunity.”
Gerry Thornley predicts there won’t be major changes to the team with Bealham and Hansen likely to be back from injury. Prendergast should retain the number 10 jersey despite an impressive cameo from Jack Crowley against England.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Ireland’s team announcement for their second game of the Six Nations, against Scotland in Edinburgh. Ireland made a great start to their campaign with the defeat of England at the Aviva Stadium. Scotland are raring to go to finally break their hoodoo against the Irish, but Simon Easterby’s men will come well-prepared. It’s a much earlier announcement than usual for this one, but we will let you know the team when it is announced about 9am.
Key Points/Articles ahead of Ireland v Scotland:
- Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen are set to be fit for Ireland’s trip to Scotland
- Nathan Johns looks at ways where Ireland can exploit Scotland’s weaknesses
- The Counter Ruck podcast
- Sign up to The Irish Times weekly rugby digest to stay up to date on the latest Six Nations news
