Townsend relishing 'challenge' of Ireland test with title on the line

Gregor Townsend acknowledged Scotland's Six Nations title hopes are "out of our hands", as he made three changes to his side to take on Ireland.

Scotland earned a sensational 50-40 win over France last time out, which has put them in contention for a first-ever Six Nations title, and their first championship since 1999 in the old Five Nations.

France remain in control after gaining a bonus point in that defeat, and host a stumbling England in their final game, while Scotland have lost their last 11 matches against Ireland.

But Townsend has opted for a new-look second row against Ireland, bringing in Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist, while Zander Fagerson is also back in the starting XV, regaining his place from D'Arcy Rae.

Locks Gregor Brown and Scott Cummins, who started against both England and France, are ruled out through injury.

"We've not talked about that," Townsend said of the various title permutations.

"It's the final opportunity for this group to go out and play. It's out of our hands, really. We can only do a certain amount, and that's good in a way.

"It's a game against an opponent that's had the upper hand on us for years. They've got a brilliant record at home.

"It's a challenge, but an opportunity for us to go and deliver an even better performance than we did last week."

Ireland boss Andy Farrell, meanwhile, has made four changes from their victory over Wales last time out, but most eye-catching is that Bundee Aki, who was suspended for the start of the tournament, is on the bench.

He had been free to play against Wales, but was not included in the squad, and is set to make his first appearance at the championship in 2026.

Tommy O'Brien, Josh van der Flier, Dan Sheehan, and Joe McCarthy have all been brought in by Farrell, while there will also be a debut for Darragh Murray, who is named among the replacements.

Ireland, like Scotland, are still in with a chance of winning the Six Nations, though their chances are slimmer if they want to clinch a seventh title.

Scotland XV: Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (captain), Kyle Steyn, Finn Russell, Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Max Williamson, Grant Gilchrist, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, D'arcy Rae, Alex Craig, Magnus Bradbury, George Horne, Kyle Rowe, Tom Jordan.

Ireland XV: Jamie Osborne, Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O'Brien, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Tom O'Toole; Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarty, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, Bundee Aki.