Scotland make two changes for Six Nations clash with Ireland
Thursday 19 March 2015 15:39, UK
Scotland head coach Vern Cotter has made two changes to his side for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with title-chasing Ireland at Murrayfield.
Back-row forward Adam Ashe is promoted from the bench to take Rob Harley's slot on the blindside, while prop Ryan Grant also moves up from the replacements to take Alasdair Dickinson's role in the front row.
Cotter has retained the same back division which impressed for spells during last week's 25-13 defeat to England at Twickenham, the Scots’ fourth successive loss in the championship this season.
Skipper Greig Laidlaw will partner stand-off Finn Russell in the half-back positions as they start in front of Glasgow Warriors trio Mark Bennett, Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour, and Edinburgh duo Dougie Fife and Matt Scott.
In the pack, tighthead Euan Murray makes history, alongside Ross Ford and Grant, overtaking Allan Jacobsen's record as the most-capped Scotland prop with a 66th appearance.
Jonny Gray and Jim Hamilton will again start in the second row, with David Denton and Blair Cowan returning to the back row.
The only other change is among the match-day substitutes as Tim Visser replaces Johnnie Beattie.
Strong culture
Cotter said: "There is a strong culture in this group. Players want to do well and set the standards high.
"We've played with a huge amount of spirit and courage, are putting teams under pressure and are scoring tries, which is encouraging, but we want to go one better this Saturday against Ireland, last year's champions.
"Both ourselves and Ireland are hugely motivated for this game.
"Make no mistake, they are coming to Edinburgh believing they can win the title, while we will be going out there desperate to throw everything at our last Championship match to win the game and repay the support of our fans.
"It's time to put our bodies on the line and once again give everything, in this one, last, 80-minute push."
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Dougie Fife, 13 Mark Bennett, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Tommy Seymour, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Greig Laidlaw (c); 1 Ryan Grant, 2 Ross Ford, 3 Euan Murray, 4 Jim Hamilton, 5 Jonny Gray, 6 Adam Ashe, 7 Blair Cowan, 8 David Denton.
Replacements: 16 Fraser Brown, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Rob Harley, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Greig Tonks, 23 Tim Visser.
