The Andy Farrell era is underway.
Ireland will look to shake off yet another disappointing World Cup campaign as they get their 2020 Guinness Six Nations campaign underway against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday evening.
New Head Coach Andy Farrell has opted for a blend of youth and experience, with a number of stalwarts hanging onto their jerseys. That being said, there are a number of new faces in an exciting Irish 23 who will be hopeful of another convincing win against the Scots, including two new caps.
Caelan Doris’ incredible form at Leinster this season has been rewarded, he takes the 8 jersey in a reshuffled backrow. Peter O’Mahony drops to the bench, while CJ Stander moves across to the number 6 jersey.
Johnny Sexton has recovered from an injury picked up against Northampton in the Champions Cup in early December; he takes the captaincy and lines up behind Conor Murray, who is perhaps fortunate to reclaim the 9 jersey despite John Cooney’s immense form for Ulster this season.
Will Addison can count himself unlucky again, as Jordan Larmour edges him out at 15 and Robbie Henshaw is named as the utility back on the bench. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose take the two centre slots.
In the front row, Rob Herring replaces his former Ulster teammate and now-retired captain Rory Best at hooker, while the familiar pairing of Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong pack down either side of him. James Ryan and Iain Henderson form the pairing in the second row.
Andrew Conway and Jacob Stockdale take their place on either wing, while Ronan Kelleher will hope for his first cap from the bench at 16.
Irish team in full:
Here's the Ireland team to play Scotland in the opening round of the #GuinnessSixNations in @AVIVAStadium on Saturday.
Two uncapped players: Caelan Doris & Ronan Kelleher.#ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/Ar7nLV7Krs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 28, 2020
