Scotland Make Three Changes for Key Visit to Ireland
Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new-look second row, while Zander Fagerson returns to the starting XV as Scotland pursue a victory away to Ireland that could secure their first Six Nations title.
Scotland's remarkable 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield has propelled them into contention for their first championship since their 1999 triumph in the former Five Nations.
However, Scotland face a challenging history: they have lost their last 11 matches against Ireland, have not won in Dublin since 2010, and have never won four games in a single Six Nations campaign.
Additionally, Scotland require defending champions France to falter at home against England.
Head coach Gregor Townsend emphasises the squad's freshness and camaraderie following their outstanding performance against France but downplays suggestions that the Dublin match is a cup final.
"We've not talked about that,"
he said regarding the various title scenarios."It's the final opportunity for this group to go out and play.It'll be a different game than last week. You've got to adapt, stick together for that 80 minutes and give it everything.It's out of our hands really. We can only do a certain amount and that's good in a way too. It's a game for us to play against an opponent that's had the upper hand on us for years.They've got a brilliant record at home. It's a real opportunity, a challenge but an opportunity for us to go and deliver an even better performance than we did last week."
Locks Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, who started in the wins over England and France, are sidelined due to injury.
Gilchrist will earn his 88th cap, becoming Scotland's all-time record appearance-maker in the second row.
Williamson receives a second chance after being substituted early in the comeback victory in Wales.
Zander Fagerson, who came off the bench at halftime against France, reclaims his starting place from D'Arcy Rae.
Winger Kyle Steyn, who has scored three tries in the tournament, is fit after sustaining a gashed leg last weekend.
There are changes on the bench as back-row Magnus Bradbury, lock Alex Craig, and winger/full-back Kyle Rowe make the matchday 23 for the first time this campaign.
Winger Duhan van der Merwe remains sidelined, along with backup fly-half Adam Hastings and props Elliot Millar Mills and Nathan McBeth. Jamie Ritchie and Jamie Dobie have also been ruled out due to earlier injuries in the tournament.
How Can Scotland Win the Title?
If Scotland defeat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and England win away to France, Scotland will claim the title.
A Scotland bonus-point win combined with a standard four-point victory for France would also secure the championship for Scotland.
A draw against Ireland would suffice if France lose without earning two bonus points.
Scotland Line-up
Scotland: Kinghorn, Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn, Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.
'Massive Show of Faith in Williamson' - Analysis
BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English comments:
"So there it is - probably the biggest selection of Gregor Townsend's time in charge of Scotland. We wondered who would partner Grant Gilchrist in the second-row and thought it might be Alex Craig. It's not.
It's something of a surprise that it's Max Williamson given that the big man - huge talent but not at his best right now - was hauled off early in Cardiff and wasn't in the 23 for France. Massive show of faith in him by Townsend.
Zander Fagerson also starts after playing a bench role against France. What's the thinking there? After so many poor starts in their 11 straight losses against Ireland perhaps Townsend is giving his team the best chance to stay in the hunt early on rather than keeping heavy artillery like Fagerson for later in the day.
Rae is still an excellent operator to have on the bench. They might play close to 40 minutes apiece just like last weekend. Empty the tanks and then come off.
Craig is on the bench and offers plenty of oomph. So is Magnus Bradbury and that looks a shrewd call. Bradbury is a seriously hard nut.
Kyle Rowe makes his first squad of the championship as part of a 5-3 bench. It was 6-2 last weekend. Rowe deserves it. He's been a terrific force in the Glasgow team. Feel for Josh Bayliss and Freddy Douglas who miss out."
