Vern Cotter has announced his team to play Ireland, as Scotland look to finish the Six Nations strongly and register a third win in a row.
There are three changes to the side that beat France. Finn Russell is ruled out with concussion, so Duncan Weir wears the number 10 jersey – Peter Horne remains on the bench despite an excellent showing against France.
Tim Swinson replaces Jonny Gray, who misses the game due to a pectoral injury, while at number eight Ryan Wilson rotates into the starting XV off the bench with Josh Strauss. Rob Harley is brought onto the bench, while Henry Pyrgos could make his first appearance of the tournament if brought on.
SCOTLAND TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND
15. Stuart Hogg 14. Tommy Seymour 13. Duncan Taylor 12. Alex Dunbar 11. Tim Visser 10. Duncan Weir 9. Greig Laidlaw; 1. Al Dickinson 2. Ross Ford 3. WP Nel 4. Richie Gray 5. Tim Swinson 6. John Barclay 7. John Hardie 8. Ryan Wilson
Replacements: 16. Stuart McInally 17. Rory Sutherland 18. Moray Low 19. Rob Harley 20. Josh Strauss 21. Henry Pyrgos 22. Peter Horne 23. Sean Lamont
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Strange selections. How is Duncan Weir ahead of Ruaridh Jackson in the pecking order?
Also, what has Josh Strauss done to Cotter? One of their better players last week when finally given a change, and probably has the potential to be their best back row player. Really odd.
Agree on both of those. i would even of selected Horne at 10 ahead of Weir
Also you get the feeling that if Denton hadn’t been injured Struass and Wilson wouldn’t have been selected despite offering far better ball carrying and better all round form
Cotter said something along the lines of resting Strauss after that hefty France game, according to the BBC.
Surprised that Weir’s starting, and that Harley’s on the bench. Not feeling as confident about the bet I made with my Irish friend now…
Resting someone with one 6 nations fixture to go? Seems a strange call.
I was thinking that Scotland could be on for a win this weekend, but having seen the teams I expect to see Ireland prevail.
I guess it’s more bringing him on later so he’s playing 20 minutes rather than 60, on the basis that he’ll play those 20 minutes well? Totally guessing, though.
Agreed. As long as we don’t capitulate like we did last year, that’ll do for me.
Yeah that explains Strauss starting on the bench (a bit) but still bemused by Weir who has been pretty average throughout his career. Especially when we have seen glimpses of class from both Jackson and Horne during the tournament and for their clubs
Agree that I probably would’ve put Horne in at 10 after last weeks performance but Duncan Weir has actually been in great form for Glasgow the last few games – best I’ve seen him play.
Hopefully he can translate that onto the bigger stage.
Yeah, but that was against NGD and Cardiff Blues – not the sternest of tests.
I was quite impressed with his performance against Munster with the ball in hand, his kicking is shocking though which is a big problem for a ten.
Props – Rob Evans; Gilhelm Guirado; WP Nel
2nd Row – Maro Itoje; George Kruis;
Backrow – CJ Stander; John Hardie; Billy Vunipola;
Halfbacks – Grieg Laidlaw; Jonny Sexton;
Centres – Owen Farrell; Jamie Roberts
Back 3 – Watson; North; Hogg
Team of the tournament?
Would probably swap Roberts for Campagnaro. In a team consistently going backwards, he’s been a shining light. Even as a Welshman, I’ve not been overly impressed with Roberts going forward. Sure he’s a great crash ball merchant but he’s not made the line breaks or yardage of Campagnaro, not lifted the rugby soul to the same extent.
McGrath over Evans easily especially after that eye gouging incident last week. I’d rate Hidalgo-Clyne ahead of Laidlaw tbh. Roberts in my view is to one dimensional but then again he is very good at what he does so why not.
“McGrath over Evans easily especially after that eye gouging incident last week”
Why would you drop Rob Evans because Tomas Francis got banned for gouging?