Ireland make the trip across to Scotland ahead of some mouth-watering Six Nations action.
Had things worked out differently in an incredible game in Paris a fortnight ago, this clash could have been a truly epic tussle between two undefeated nations looking to move within one more victory of a coveted Grand Slam in a World Cup year.
However, Scotland were ultimately bested 32-21 by France in a memorable contest that saw both sides have a man sent off early and Gregor Townsend’s men fight back from 19-0 down to give the defending champions a real fright.
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That came after the Scots had seen off both auld enemy England and Wales to start the Six Nations with back-to-back wins for the first time since 1996.
They will be eager to quickly get back to winning ways this weekend in an upset and end Ireland’s Grand Slam chances in the process, throwing the tournament wide open ahead of what would be a real Super Saturday.
However, Andy Farrell’s Ireland arrive bursting with confidence as the undisputed best international rugby team on the planet, having continued their formidable winning run with a third consecutive bonus-point triumph last time out.
However, having put sorry Wales to the sword and seen off the French in an absolute epic on home soil, they needed to show resolve to quiet the threat of an Italy team that were far from overawed by the challenge in Rome.
Scotland vs Ireland date, kick-off time and venue
Scotland vs Ireland closes Six Nations round four, after Italy have battled Wales and England hosted France a day earlier.
The match is due for a 3pm GMT kick-off on Sunday March 12, 2023 at Murrayfield Stadium in Glasgow.
How to watch Scotland vs Ireland
TV channel: In the UK, Scotland vs Ireland is being televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting from 2:15pm.
Live stream: Fans can also watch the game unfold live online via the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport website.
LIVE coverage: Follow the action live via Standard Sport’s dedicated blog on matchday.
Scotland vs Ireland team news
Scotland are without Edinburgh lock Grant Gilchrist, who was suspended for three weeks following his red card for a high hit to the head of French flanker Anthony Jelonch in Paris.
His place in the second row is taken by Jonny Gray, who lines up alongside older brother Richie. Former skipper Stuart Hogg earns his 100th cap at full-back.
Hamish Watson is only on the bench as Townsend re-orders his back row, bringing in former Australia international Jack Dempsey at number eight, with captain Jamie Ritchie at openside flanker and Matt Fagerson switching to the blindside.
Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes have been given a major boost through the returns of key starters Tadhg Furlong, Johnny Sexton and Garry Ringrose from injury.
All-action hooker Dan Sheehan is also back in the starting XV, along with recalls for veteran flanker Peter O’Mahony and scrum-half Conor Murray.
Jamison Gibson-Park and Robbie Henshaw both come onto the bench, meaning Craig Casey and Stuart McCloskey drop out of the matchday squad altogether.
Tighthead Finlay Bealham is out for the tournament with a knee injury, while Iain Henderson retains his starting berth over Ryan Baird in the second row with Tadhg Beirne sidelined.
Scotland vs Ireland lineups
Scotland XV: Hogg; Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson; R Gray, J Gray; Fagerson, Ritchie (c), Dempsey.
Replacements: Brown, Bhatti, Berghan, Cummings, Watson, Price, Kinghorn, Harris.
Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (c), Murray; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Henderson, Ryan; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, O'Toole, Baird, Conan, Gibson-Park, Byrne, Henshaw.
Scotland vs Ireland head to head (h2h) history and results
Ireland are on a seven-match winning streak against Scotland and have won 11 of the last 12 meetings between the two sides, including a 26-5 victory 12 months ago that earned them a first Triple Crown for four years.
Scotland have only beaten Ireland twice in the last 10 years - both at Murrayfield, in 2013 and 2017.
Scotland wins: 66
Ireland wins: 68
Draws: 5
Scotland vs Ireland prediction
Despite the disappointing final scoreline in Paris in round three, the significant strides Scotland have made over recent months have been undeniable.
With the sublimely-gifted Finn Russell pulling the strings from fly-half, Townsend’s side are an absolute joy to watch in attack for the most part, boasting serious scoring threats all over the park.
However, ruthless Ireland are a different animal altogether and will see their ranks greatly enhanced by the returns of several important players this weekend.
The Men in Green should get a tough test here, perhaps their most difficult, but are too good a team to let their Grand Slam hopes slip away when glory is within reach with just England to come in Dublin.
Ireland to win, by 10 points.
Scotland vs Ireland match odds
Scotland to win: 13/5
Ireland to win: 1/3
Draw: 20/1
