Three Scotland changes for key visit to Ireland

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

Scotland's sensational 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield has put them in contention for a first championship since their 1999 triumph in the old Five Nations.

However, the Scots have lost their past 11 matches against Ireland, have not won in Dublin since 2010, and have never won four games in a Six Nations campaign.

They also need defending champions France to slip up at home to England.

Head coach Gregor Townsend insists his squad are "fresh" and "loving playing together" after an incredible display against the French but played down questions referencing the Dublin showdown as a cup final.

"We've not talked about that," he 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."

Locks Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, who started in the wins over England and France, are ruled out through injury.

Gilchrist will win his 88th cap, becoming Scotland's all-time record appearance maker for a second row. Williamson is given a second chance after his early removal in the comeback victory in Wales.

Having come off the bench at the halfway stage against France, Zander Fagerson reclaims his place from D'Arcy Rae.

Winger Kyle Steyn, who has scored three tries in the tournament, is fit after going off with a gashed leg last weekend.

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

Winger Duhan van der Merwe is among those sidelined, along with back-up fly-half Adam Hastings and props Elliot Millar Mills and Nathan McBeth.

Jamie Ritchie and Jamie Dobie picked up injuries earlier in the tournament.

If Scotland beat Ireland at Aviva Stadium and England win away to France, the title will be theirs.

A Scotland bonus-point win and a regulation four-point victory for France would also be enough for the Scots to top the table.

A draw would do the job if France lose without collecting two bonus points.

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So there it is - probably the biggest selection of Townsend's time in charge of Scotland. We wondered who would partner Gilchrist in the second row and thought it might be Craig. It's not.

It's something of a surprise that it's Williamson given that the big man - huge talent but not at his best right now - was hauled off early in Cardiff and wasn't in the 23 for France. Massive show of faith in him by Townsend.

Zander Fagerson also starts after playing a bench role against France. What's the thinking there?

After so many poor starts in their 11 straight losses against Ireland, perhaps Townsend is giving his team the best chance to stay in the hunt early on rather than keeping heavy artillery like Fagerson for later in the day.

Rae is still an excellent operator to have on the bench. They might play close to 40 minutes apiece, just like last weekend. Empty the tanks and then come off.

Craig is on the bench and offers plenty of oomph. So is Bradbury and that looks a shrewd call. Bradbury is a seriously hard nut.

Rowe makes his first squad of the championship as part of a 5-3 bench. It was 6-2 last weekend. Rowe deserves it. He's been a terrific force in the Glasgow team.

Feel for Josh Bayliss and Freddy Douglas who miss out.

Scotland: Kinghorn, Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn, Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.

Scottish Rugby Union