Veteran flanker Peter O’Mahony returns to Ireland’s starting XV for Sunday’s Six Nations match with Scotland which interim coach Simon Easterby said presents a “significant challenge” in their bid to win an unprecedented third successive title.
O’Mahony, 35, who captained the Irish to last year’s title, comes in for Ryan Baird in one of two changes to the starting line-up from the one that began with an impressive 27-22 win over England last Saturday.
O’Mahony, who suggested he would retire after last year’s Six Nations triumph but instead will win his 111th cap, brings experience but also the risk of a card as his disciplinary record is poor compared to his teammates.
O’Mahony played no part in the England game.
“I think he (O’Mahony) supported the guys last week incredibly well, Bairdo did well, his lineout work was excellent,” said Easterby.
“Pete brings that, but he also brings experience which at the moment some other players can’t offer.
“It’s probably a decision we’ve been thinking about for a couple of weeks.”
Robbie Henshaw starts in the centres alongside former Connacht teammate Bundee Aki, with Garry Ringrose dropping to the bench for the game at Murrayfield.
“In terms of the centre partnership, we’ve got three brilliant centres in the squad who are playing really well at the moment,” said Easterby.
“We felt like Ringer was excellent last weekend and that partnership with Bundee was good.
“Robbie came on and impacted the game and it was always our intention over the first couple of weeks to mix it up in that area.
“Ringer covers the wing for us as well as centre, also he played the full 80 last week, whereas Bundee came off a little earlier.”
‘Clearly disappointed’
The Irish are on a run of 10 successive victories over the Scots, but Easterby says they merit the label of dark horses for this year’s title having shown their mettle in an opening 31-19 win over Italy.
“Sunday’s game presents a significant challenge against a Scotland side that had a very good Autumn Nations Series and have started the Six Nations with a positive bonus point win over Italy,” said Easterby.
“We have taken confidence from the win over England this week and there are undoubtedly areas for improvement.”
Wing Mack Hansen and fellow Australia-born prop Finlay Bealham have proved their fitness and start.
Easterby has once again selected 21-year-old Sam Prendergast at fly-half, with his Leinster teammate and man of the match against England Jamison Gibson-Park partnering him at scrum-half.
Munster duo of fly-half Jack Crowley, who started all of last year’s Six Nations matches, and 121-cap veteran scrum-half Conor Murray are on the bench.
Easterby conceded Crowley, 25, had been impressive when he came off the bench against England but added they were fortunate to have two such talented playmakers.
“Jack is clearly disappointed but he’s an unbelievable person, he’s so supportive,” said Easterby.
“We’re in a position where we’re trying both of them and trying to grow Sam’s experiences, not just at home last week in a huge game for him and for us as a team but also now going away from home.
“How does he handle those types of experiences which is very different to last week.”
England-born Easterby — standing in whilst Andy Farrell takes charge of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia — said it had been a hard call all-round.
“Selection was a real challenge again which reinforces the competition for places,” said the 49-year-old former Irish flanker.
“As we approach Round 2, it’s about improvement and building momentum. We know that we will need to start the game strongly and meet their physical challenge.”
Team (15-1)
Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Finlay Bealham, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Garry Ringrose
Coach: Simon Easterby (IRL)
