Ireland have recalled Leinster trio Dan Sheehan, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier to their starting side for their Six Nations title tilt against Scotland.
Andy Farrell’s side sit third entering the final round of fixtures but would vault to the top of the table with victory in Dublin, putting pressure on France ahead of their meeting with England in the championship finale.
Farrell reverts to some tried and trusted combinations in his starting forward pack with Sheeehan, McCarthy and Van der Flier lending plenty of experience.
Their Dublin clubmate Tommy O’Brien is also preferred to Jacob Stockdale on the left wing, while Ulster’s Tom O’Toole continues to develop at loosehead prop after switching sides during this tournament.
On the bench, veteran centre Bundee Aki is in line for a first appearance of the campaign having been suspended for the first three matches for “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards match officials.
Connacht lock Darragh Murray is set to win just his third cap with James Ryan not considered due to a calf issue.
"It is an incredible privilege for the squad to play at home in front of a packed Aviva Stadium with a trophy up for grabs,” Farrell said. “We know about the challenge facing us on Saturday and Scotland will travel with confidence.
“You'll see two teams who like to attack and we’ll look to implement our game plan to get the performance that we want. When you factor in a loud home support, and with the game taking place on St Patrick’s weekend, it really has all the ingredients for a cracking contest."
Sheehan had been rested entirely for the encounter with Wales as Ronan Kelleher deputised effectively at hooker, while McCarthy and Van der Flier appeared off the bench.
Ireland have bounced back after an opening defeat to France but will require a favour from England against Les Bleus if they are to win the title with their own success against Scotland.
Farrell’s side have won the last 11 meetings with their visitors this weekend.
Ireland XV to face Scotland in Dublin (Saturday 14 March, 2.10pm GMT): 1 Tom O’Toole, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 Tommy O’Brien, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Robert Baloucoune; 15 Jamie Osborne.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 Nick Timoney; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Bundee Aki.
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