Six Nations: Three Scotland changes for key visit to Ireland

Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist make up the new-look second row and Zander Fagerson returns to the starting XV as Scotland chase the victory against Ireland that could deliver a first Six Nations title.

Scotland’s 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield put them in contention for their first title since the old Five Nations triumph in 1999.

But Scotland have lost their last 11 games against Ireland, have not won in Dublin since 2010 and have never won four games in the Six Nations campaign.

They also need defending champion France against England at home.

Head coach Gregor Townsend insisted his side were “fresh” and “love to play together” after their incredible display against the French, but played down questions describing the Dublin encounter as a cup final.

“We didn’t talk about it,” he said of the various title permutations. “This is the last opportunity for this group to go out and play.

“It will be a different game from last week. You have to adapt, stay together for 80 minutes and give it your all.

“We really can’t help it. We can only do so much and that’s good in a way. It’s a game we’re going to play against an opponent who’s had the upper hand on us for years.”

“They’ve got a fantastic record at home. It’s a real opportunity, a challenge but an opportunity for us to do much better than last week.”

Locks Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, who started with wins against England and France, were left out of the squad due to injuries.

Gilchrist will make his 88th appearance for his country and become Scotland’s all-time record player for the second time.

Williamson was given a second chance after his early suspension in the comeback victory in Wales.

Zander Fagerson, who left the bench at halftime against France, was replaced by D’Arcy Rae.

Winger Kyle Steyn, who scored three tries in the tournament, remained fit after recovering from a cut on his leg last weekend.

There are changes on the bench as back-row Magnus Bradbury, lock Alex Craig and winger/full-back Kyle Rowe make their first appearances on matchday 23 this season.

Winger Duhan van der Merwe is among those sidelined, along with reserve driver Adam Hastings and props Elliot Millar Mills and Nathan McBeth, while Jamie Ritchie and Jamie Dobie suffered injuries early in the tournament.