Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist make up a new-look second row and Xander Fagerson is back in the starting XV as Scotland chase a win over Ireland that could lead to a first Six Nations title.
Scotland’s sensational 50-40 victory,
Scotland’s sensational 50-40 victory over France at Murrayfield has put them in contention for a first championship since their 1999 victory in the Old Five Nations.
However, Scotland have lost their last 11 matches against Ireland, have not won in Dublin since 2010, and have only won three games in a Six Nations campaign.
They also need defending champions France to catch up to England on home soil.
Head coach Gregor Townsend insisted his team are “fresh” and “love playing together” after an incredible performance against the French but he ignored questions referring to the Dublin clash as a cup final.
“We haven’t talked about it,” he said of various title permutations. “This match is the last opportunity for this group to go out and play.
“It will be a different game than last week. You must adapt, stay united for the full 80 minutes, and give everything you have.
“It’s truly beyond our control. We can only do a certain amount and that’s good in a way, as it allows us to focus on our performance without being overly concerned about the outcome. It’s a game for us to play against an opponent that has dominated us for years.”
“Their record at home is fantastic. It’s a real opportunity, a challenge, but an opportunity for us to perform even better than last week.”
Locks Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, who started in the wins over England and France, have been ruled out through injury.
Gilchrist would win his 88th cap for his country and become the all-time second-row player for Scotland.
Williamson has been given a second chance after being removed early in the comeback win in Wales.
After coming off the bench at half-time against France, Xander Fagerson reclaimed his place from D’Arcy Rae.
Winger Kyle Steyn, who has scored three tries in the tournament, is fit after suffering a foot injury last weekend.
There have been changes on the bench as back-row Magnus Bradbury, lock Alex Craig and winger/full-back Kyle Rowe make matchday 23s for the first time this campaign.
Winger Duhan van der Merwe is among those dropped, along with backup fly-half Adam Hastings and props Elliott Miller Mills and Nathan McBeth, while Jamie Ritchie and Jamie Dobbie were injured early in the tournament.
