Dublin (AFP) - Mack Hansen has been restored to the wing by Ireland head coach Andy Farrell for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland where victory would keep alive Irish hopes of the title.
Australia-born Hansen missed last Saturday's victory over England but comes in for Andrew Conway, who is unavailable due to "a knee niggle", according to the Irish Rugby Football Union.
"He (Hansen) has been very impressive and has done unbelievably well," said Farrell at his press conference later on Thursday.
"He has learned quickly and hit the ground running.
"He played the first three games then had a week off which took the pressure off and he had time to reflect on missing out.
"He obviously has as he has been good in training."
The Irish can secure the Triple Crown on Saturday with victory over a Scotland side that has been disappointing since opening with victory over England.
However Farrell's side's hopes of the title rest on England denying France the Grand Slam when they play later that day in Paris.
The Scots, though, could hand the French their first Six Nations title since 2010 should they win.
If they did it would be a repeat of 2010, the last time they won in Dublin and on that occasion denied the Irish the Triple Crown.
Farrell refused to b eheld hostage to fortune about what it would mean to secure the Triple Crown.
"We have put ourselves in a position to do that which is nice," he said.
"However it is just about this game and we are under no illusions the Scots will be at their best and desperate to spoil the party.
"We will require our best performance of the tournament."
'Growing in many areas'
Farrell has kept changes to a minimum from the side that eventually overcame an England team reduced to 14 men in the second minute.
Iain Henderson starts in the second row as James Ryan is out having failed a Head Injury Assessment.
Ryan suffered the injury following the clash of heads with England's Charlie Ewels which led to the latter being sent off.
Jack Conan is back in the starting XV at the expense of veteran back row forward Peter O'Mahony.
Captain Johnny Sexton will become Ireland's joint sixth most capped player, equalling John Hayes' 105 cap tally when he leads the side out.
Sexton will be partnered at half-back by last Saturday's man of the match, scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.
They will not though face a Scotland side with Finn Russell at fly-half as Gregor Townsend picked Blair Kinghorn instead.
"Am I surprised yes and no," said Farrell.
"But Blair Kinghorn is a great player, we know him well we know his strengths he is very dangerous with ball in hand and on the counter attack.
"He also has a wise and good kicking game."
Sexton and Gibson-Park's Leinster team-mate grizzled prop Cian Healy retains his starting spot and wins his 116th cap.
Healy and Sexton played in the 2010 match and Farrell expects the Scots to come out all guns blazing but he believes his side have the wherewithal to prevail.
"The squad has been growing in many areas," he said.
"There are always ups and downs but we are growing and this will stand us well for the next 18 months up to the World Cup."
Team (15-1)
Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris; Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy
Replacements: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Robbie Henshaw
Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)
