Ireland expected to face Scotland with strongest possible team

It is rare to go into a final Six Nations game without losing more bodies to injury.

Following another bruising round of action, the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Rob Kearney, Johnny Gray, Michele Campagnaro and David Denton are out of the championship. Ireland rested captain Rory Best from training, on Monday, but assistant coach Richie Murphy told us it was a mere precaution. However, given the way Kearney, Eoin Reddan, Simon Zebo and Keith Earls have all missed sessions and then match-day selection, Best's place is far from assured. Joe Schmidt may use the game as an opportunity to give Sean Cronin his first ever Six Nations start. Given the fact that Cronin has 50 caps to his name, that is a remarkable anomaly. Should Best train fully on Thursday morning, Schmidt will name an unchanged XV from the one that dismantled Italy 58-15. Once again, that means Simon Zebo at fullback, Jack McGrath at loosehead, Ultan Dillane on the bench and no spot for Stuart McCloskey. Schmidt's only other decisions to make are on the bench. Cian Healy is set to replace Finlay Bealham but Kieran Marmion looked to have done enough to stave off the returning Eoin Reddan. IRELAND'S EXPECTED TEAM 15. Simon Zebo 14. Andrew Trimble 13. Jared Payne 12. Robbie Henshaw 11. Keith Earls 10. Johnny Sexton 9. Conor Murray 1. Jack McGrath 2. Rory Best 3. Mike Ross 4. Donnacha Ryan 5. Devin Toner 6. CJ Stander 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Jamie Heaslip Replacements: Cronin, C Healy, White, Dillane, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, McFadden.