Old warhorse Peter O’Mahony earns recall as Ireland reveal team for crunch Scotland clash

Ireland have recalled back-row forward Peter O’Mahony and centre Robbie Henshaw for Sunday’s Six Nations match against Scotland.

Former captain O’Mahony, who was left out of Simon Easterby’s matchday squad for last weekend’s 27-22 bonus-point win over England, replaces Ryan Baird at blindside flanker.

Henshaw will partner Bundee Aki in midfield, with Garry Ringrose joining Baird in dropping to the bench.

Back-to-back champions Ireland travel to Murrayfield to resume their pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive title following victory over Steve Borthwick’s side.

Tighthead prop Finlay Bealham and wing Mack Hansen have been passed fit to start after each sustained leg issues in round one. Sam Prendergast continues at fly half, with Jack Crowley again providing back-up from the bench following an impressive cameo last weekend.

Ulster lock Iain Henderson drops out of the selection following the recall of the vastly experienced O’Mahony, who will win his 111th cap.

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Loosehead prop Cian Healy, 37, will surpass Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most-capped player in the men’s Six Nations if he comes off the bench to make a 66th championship appearance.

Ireland have dominated recent meetings with Scotland, winning 14 of the last 15 fixtures, including 10 in a row, dating back more than a decade.

Those victories include a title-clinching 17-13 success in Dublin last year, plus pool-stage wins at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.

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Interim head coach Easterby said: “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.

“We have taken confidence from the win over England this week and there are undoubtedly areas for improvement.

“Selection was a real challenge again which reinforces the competition for places. As we approach round two, it’s about improvement and building momentum. We know that we will need to start the game strongly and meet their physical challenge.”

Ireland starting XV: 15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Ronan Kelleher, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. James Ryan, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O'Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (c)

Replacements: 16. Dan Sheehan, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Thomas Clarkson, 19. Ryan Baird, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Garry Ringrose