Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made the surprise decision to drop star fly-half Finn Russell for their final match of the 2022 Six Nations away to Ireland on Saturday.
British and Irish Lions tourist Russell, 29, recently courted criticism for a perceived lack of work-rate in defence during a 36-17 loss at home to France. Edinburgh utility Blair Kinghorn will take over the No. 10 jersey in his stead, with Russell settling for a spot on the substitutes bench.
Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Gray has also returned to the starting XV and will earn his 67th cap alongside second-row partner Grant Gilchrist. Captain Stuart Hogg is the only player in the squad boasting more experience and is set to earn his 93rd cap at the Aviva Stadium.
Kinghorn and Gray are the only newcomers compared to the XV that started in last Saturday's 33-22 win over Italy. Kyle Steyn will continue to deputise on the left win in place of the suspended Duhan van der Merwe, while Sam Johnson and Chris Harris (two) continue their centre partnership after combing for three tries in Rome.
Among the pack, Hamish Watson will move within touching distance of his Scotland half-century as he wins a 49th cap at openside flanker. Glasgow prospect Rory Darge keeps the No. 6 jersey and will start a third straight senior game for his country, while Matt Fagerson is back at No.8 after an impressive tournament thus far.
Josh Bayliss could make his Six Nations debut off the bench after earning his first senior Scotland cap against Australia in November. The Bath second row was called up to the 2021 squad but failed to make an appearance for Townsend's team.
Scotland are seeking their third win of the tournament and still have a chance to finish third in the Six Nations table, though they'd need to win in Dublin for the first time since 2010 in order to do so. Hosts Ireland will be motivated to clinch maximum spoils, too, considering the crown can still be theirs if they win and England surprise leaders France in Paris.
Andy Farrell's side have won the last six meetings between these teams and are rampant favourites to add to that streak come Saturday. The boys in green stormed late to complete a 32-15 bonus-point win over 14-man England last Saturday when lock Charlie Ewels was shown a red card after only 82 seconds.
The Dublin hosts will be targeting more of the same as they look to turn up the pressure on France ahead of their evening kick-off with England.
Scotland team vs. Ireland
(Backs) Stuart Hogg (capt); Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Sam Johnson, Kyle Steyn; Blair Kinghorn, Ali Price; (Forwards) Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson; Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Rory Darge, Hamish Watson, Matt Fagerson
Reps: Fraser Brown, Allan Dell, WP Nel, Sam Skinner, Josh Bayliss, Ben White, Finn Russell, Mark Bennett
