Andy Farrell has recalled Connacht winger Mack Hansen to his starting XV as one of three changes ahead of Ireland 's Six Nations curtain call against Scotland on Saturday.
The second-placed side play their final match of this year's tournament at the Aviva Stadium and must win to have any chance of beating leaders France to the title. Fabien Galthie's side are chasing a Grand Slam and will complete a perfect tournament if they beat England in Paris, but victory in Dublin would at least temporarily move Ireland to the summit.
Hansen, 23, was named Player of the Match when he made his international debut in the Round 1 win over Wales. The Australia native—who qualifies to play for Ireland through his Cork-born mother—has since started in the second-week defeat to France and the third-round throttling of Italy.
He's replaced Andrew Conway on the right wing as the Munster man manages a knee injury. Leinster's James Lowe keeps his spot on the opposite flank and is hoping to finish as the tournament's top try-scorer, currently tied with France duo Damian Penaud and Gabin Villiere on three apiece.
Johnny Sexton will skipper the team in his 105th Ireland appearance, drawing level with John Hayes as his country's sixth-most capped player of all time. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose maintain their midfield pairing, meanwhile, while Leinster talisman Robbie Henshaw again looks to make an impact off the bench.
The only other changes to Farrell's XV are each located among the forwards, with Iain Henderson moving in at second row and Jack Conan returning at No.8. Conan's return sees Caelan Doris move back to blindside flanker, with Peter O'Mahony dropping to the bench.
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Henderson has replaced Leinster lock James Ryan, whose tournament was brought to an early end following Charlie Ewels' red card-worthy tackle just 82 seconds into last Saturday's 32-15 win over England. Ryan was clearly concussed following the early hit and didn't return to play after failing a head injury assessment (HIA).
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend named his squad earlier on Thursday and dropped Finn Russell at fly-half in favour of Edinburgh's Blair Kinghorn. Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Gray has also been restored to the visitors' starting line-up in what should provide a boost for their pack.
Ireland have triumphed in their past six meetings with the Scots, who haven't sealed victory in Dublin since 2010. Townsend's men are coming off the back of a bonus-point win over Italy, however, and travel to the Irish capital free of expectation in their last clash of the campaign.
Ireland team vs. Scotland
(Backs) Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson Park; Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.
Reps: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Robbie Henshaw.
