Six Nations: Three changes for Scotland for key visit to Ireland

Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new-look second row, and Zander Fagerson returns to the starting XV, as Scotland chase a win away to Ireland that could lead to a first Six Nations title.

Scotland’s thrilling 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield leaves them in contention for a first championship since their 1999 win in the old Five Nations.

However, the Scots have lost their last 11 matches to Ireland, have not won in Dublin since 2010, and have never won four Six Nations matches.

They also need defending champions France to stumble at home to England.

Coach Gregor Townsend insisted his side are “fresh” and “love playing together” after an impressive display against the French, but played down questions pointing to the Dublin clash as a cup final.

“We haven’t talked about that,” he said of the different permutations of titles. “It’s the last chance for this group to come out and play. It’s really out of our hands. We can only do a certain amount and that’s good in a way.”

“It’s a game against an opponent who has had the upper hand over us for years. They have a great record at home.

He added: “It is a challenge, but it is an opportunity for us to perform better than we did last week.”