Scotland name team to play Ireland in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations

In the pack, prop WP Nel comes in at tighthead and packs down alongside hooker George Turner and loosehead Rory Sutherland.

Jamie Ritchie returns at blindside flanker and complements Hamish Watson and Matt Fagerson in the loose forwards, while Jonny Gray and Scott Cummings continue their second-row partnership for the seventh successive international.

Captain Stuart Hogg and wingers Duhan van der Merwe and the returning Sean Maitland form the back three, with Sam Johnson featuring for the first time in the 2021 championship, joining Chris Harris in the centres. Finn Russell and Ali Price continue the half-back partnership for a third straight game.

Simon Berghan and Jamie Bhatti are named in the replacements alongside second-row Grant Gilchrist and back-row Nick Haining, with all four primed for their first involvement of the year, alongside hooker David Cherry.

Scott Steele, Huw Jones and Darcy Graham represent options in the backs from the bench.

Ahead of the game, Head Coach Gregor Townsend said: “We are well aware of the threats posed by an experienced Ireland squad and our players have prepared for a contest they know is going to require one of their best performances.

“We had prepared well for our postponed game against France, and the players have adapted well to the change of plans and have brought real energy and focus to our training sessions this week.”

“Playing Ireland is always a physical affair and one that demands you keep stepping up to make tackles or contest for possession. They have played well in their opening three games of the Championship and have some outstanding players in their squad. It should be a cracking game.”

Scotland team to play Ireland at BT Murrayfield in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations

Sunday 14 March (kick-off 3pm) – live on BBC Sport

15. Stuart Hogg CAPTAIN (Exeter Chiefs) – 82 caps

14. Sean Maitland (Saracens) – 51 caps
13. Chris Harris (Gloucester) – 25 caps
12. Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors) – 15 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh) – 7 caps

10. Finn Russell VICE CAPTAIN (Racing 92) – 53 caps
9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) – 39 caps

1. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh) – 13 caps
2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
3. WP Nel (Edinburgh) – 42 caps
4. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) – 19 caps
5. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs) – 63 caps
6. Jamie Ritchie VICE CAPTAIN (Edinburgh) – 24 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh – 38 caps
8. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) – 11 caps

Substitutes:
16. David Cherry (Edinburgh) – 2 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Bath Rugby) – 16 caps
18. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh) – 28 caps
19. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh) – 42 caps
20. Nick Haining (Edinburgh) – 5 caps
21. Scott Steele (Harlequins) – 2 caps
22. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 28 caps
23. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh) – 16 caps