Ireland lock James Ryan has been ruled out as head coach Andy Farrell makes four changes for Saturday’s Six Nations Triple Crown decider against Scotland in Dublin.
Ryan started Ireland’s wins over Italy, England and Wales, but he was not considered for selection to face the Scots because of a calf injury.
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Joe McCarthy returns to the line-up to partner Tadhg Beirne in the second row, with Darragh Murray set to make his Six Nations debut off the bench.
Hooker Dan Sheehan and flanker Josh van der Flier also return to the pack as Ronan Kelleher and Nick Timoney drop to the bench.
Tommy O’Brien is named on the left wing in Farrell’s only backline change.
O’Brien impressed after replacing the injured James Lowe on the left wing in Ireland’s thumping win over England, but Jacob Stockdale was preferred for last week’s defeat of Wales.
While Stockdale marked his return by scoring Ireland’s opening try, Farrell has restored Leinster’s O’Brien, who can also cover the right wing.
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Ireland must beat Scotland (14:10 GMT) to keep their title hopes alive before leaders France face England in Paris (20:10) in the final match of this year’s tournament.
Scotland, who are chasing a first championship since 1999, have made three changes for the visit to Aviva Stadium as Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new-look second row and Zander Fagerson returns at tight-head prop.
Victory would also seal Ireland’s fourth Triple Crown in five years and deny Scotland their first since 1990.
Line-ups
Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O’Brien; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O’Toole, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Beirne, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).
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Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Murray, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, Aki.
Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.
How can Ireland and Scotland win title?
Ireland will guarantee the title if they secure a bonus-point win over Scotland and England overcome France.
An Ireland victory without a bonus point will be enough if France lose and only earn one bonus point.
A draw or defeat by Scotland would end Ireland’s title challenge.
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If Scotland beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (14:10 GMT kick-off), and England shock France at the Stade de France, the title will be theirs.
A Scotland bonus-point win and a regulation four-point victory for France would also be enough for a first Six Nations title.
A draw would be enough if France lose without collecting two bonus points.
Defeat by Ireland would rule Scotland out of the title race.
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