Scotland to Miss Six Key Players Against Ireland
Scotland will be without their first-choice second-row duo Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings for the decisive final day Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin. Additionally, influential winger Duhan van der Merwe will also be absent.
Brown and Cummings have started together in the lock positions twice this campaign, contributing to impressive victories over England and France. However, both sustained injuries during the latter match. Brown, aged 24, was seen on crutches after the game at Murrayfield due to a calf injury, while 29-year-old Cummings is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Saturday's win over France leaves Scotland with a chance to claim the championship in the final round, provided they outperform France’s result at home against England.
Van der Merwe, who has only started one Test in this year’s Six Nations—the narrow victory over Wales—is also ruled out of the trip to Dublin.
Further absences include fly-half Adam Hastings, sidelined with a shoulder injury, and props Elliot Millar Mills and Nathan McBeth, both out with ankle injuries. These players have been significant contributors throughout Scotland’s campaign.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Glasgow Warriors hooker Seb Stephen has returned to his club following his initial international call-up.
Replacement Players and Squad Depth
To cover the six absences, four players have been called up: Scarlets prop Alec Hepburn, Sale Sharks winger Arron Reed, and Glasgow Warriors duo Euan Ferrie and Alex Samuel.
In the second row, head coach Gregor Townsend retains a strong selection pool. Alex Samuel joins experienced players Grant Gilchrist and Jonny Gray, along with Max Williamson and Alex Craig.
Scotland Squad for Ireland
Forwards: Ewan Ashman, Dave Cherry, Gregor Hiddleston, George Turner, Alec Hepburn, Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland, Zander Fagerson, D'Arcy Rae, Murphy Walker, Alex Craig, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Alex Samuel, Max Williamson, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Freddy Douglas, Matt Fagerson, Euan Ferrie.
Backs: George Horne, Gus Warr, Ben White, Fergus Burke, Tom Jordan, Finn Russell, Rory Hutchinson, Huw Jones, Stafford McDowall, Sione Tuipulotu (captain), Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn, Arron Reed, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn.
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