Good morning all.
We’ve made it! The final weekend of the 2026 Six Nations is nearly here – Andy Farrell has one last matchday side to announce as Ireland bring their campaign to a close in Dublin against Scotland on Saturday.
The Ireland team will be named at 2pm, while Scotland’s is due to be announced around 11am.
- Title on the Line: While France currently leads, Saturday’s results – particularly Ireland vs. Scotland and France vs. England – will determine the 2026 Six Nations champion. A complex set of scenarios are in play, making ‘Super Saturday’ a must-watch.
- Scotland’s Selection: Gregor Townsend has opted for a new-look second row, signaling a potential shift in strategy for their crucial clash with Ireland. The return of Zander Fagerson adds experience to the front row.
- Ireland’s Expected Changes: Gerry Thornley anticipates Andy Farrell will largely revert to the team that secured a record-breaking win against England, with Tommy O’Brien likely to fill in for the injured James Lowe.
This isn’t simply a game for bragging rights; it’s a Triple Crown decider and, crucially, a significant piece of the championship puzzle. Ireland, Scotland, and France all remain in contention, and the permutations are dizzying. The Irish squad, riding high on their dominant performance at Twickenham, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage. However, Scotland, fresh off a stunning victory over France, will be a formidable opponent, eager to break their historical losing streak against Ireland.
Scotland’s team selection reveals a clear intent to disrupt Ireland’s set-piece. The new second-row pairing of Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist suggests a focus on physicality and contesting in the air. The experienced Zander Fagerson’s return provides much-needed stability in the scrum, an area where Ireland has traditionally excelled. This is a direct challenge to Ireland’s forward dominance.
The predicted Ireland lineup, with Tommy O’Brien poised to replace James Lowe, indicates a preference for a powerful back three capable of making significant gains in attack. The retention of Jack Crowley at fly-half suggests Farrell is continuing to build his long-term vision for the Irish team, providing the young playmaker with invaluable experience in high-pressure situations.
Looking Ahead: The outcome of Ireland vs. Scotland will have ripple effects beyond the Triple Crown. A convincing Irish victory, coupled with favorable results in the other matches, could see them lift the Six Nations trophy. However, a Scottish win would throw the championship wide open, potentially handing France the title if they can overcome England. The pressure is immense, and the margin for error is razor-thin. The key question remains: can Scotland finally overcome their historical struggles against Ireland and disrupt the Irish Grand Slam bid? The answer will be revealed on Saturday, but the implications will resonate throughout the rugby world for months to come. Beyond the immediate championship implications, this match serves as a crucial barometer for both teams as they prepare for future challenges, including potential tours and the next Rugby World Cup cycle.
In the meantime, be sure to listen to the latest episode of The Counter Ruck podcast for further insights and analysis.
Here’s Gerry Thornley’s predicted starters and replacements to face Scotland:
IRELAND (possible): Jamie Osborne; Rob Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O’Brien; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan, Tadhgh Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhgh Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Mike Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey/Nathan Doak, Ciarán Frawley, Bundee Aki.
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