Prop Zander Fagerson has been restored to the Scotland starting side as one of three changes for their Six Nations showdown with Ireland.
Gregor Townsend’s Scots travel to Dublin chasing a first title of the Six Nations era and will look to put the pressure on France, who face England in the tournament finale, with victory at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Tighthead Fagerson replaces D’Arcy Rae having made a punchy impact off the bench following his first-half introduction in the 50-40 win over France.
With both Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown out through injury, veteran Grant Gilchrist is partnered by Max Williamson in the second row, while the back row and backline remains intact as Kyle Steyn overcomes his own fitness fears.
Kyle Rowe provides extra back three cover alongside the versatile Tom Jordan on a five forwards/three backs bench.
Scotland’s last tournament crown came in 1999, before Italy’s addition to the championship, and they begin the final round level on points with table-topping France.
They have not, however, beaten Ireland under Townsend, losing the last 11 meetings between the two sides.
Scotland XV to face Ireland in Dublin (Saturday 14 March, 2.10pm GMT): 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Max Williamson, 5 Grant Gilchrist; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Kyle Steyn, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt.), 13 Huw Jones, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Magnus Bradbury; 21 George Horne, 22 Kyle Rowe, 23 Tom Jordan.
