Ireland announce their team to face Scotland

Joe Schmidt has named his Ireland side for the Six Nations opener this weekend.

Schmidt is without the likes of Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony for the clash, but still has a strong pool of players to choose from, with Ulster’s Paddy Jackson filling in at ten for Sexton as he did in their win over the Wallabies in November.

Andrew Trimble is ruled out with Zebo and Earls on the wings, while Ian Keatley will act as cover to Jackson on the bench.

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo, Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Devin Toner, CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Cian Healy, John Ryan Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, Kieran Marmion, Ian Keatley, Tommy Bowe.