Townsend makes three changes as Scotland bid to end losing streak against Ireland

Gregor Townsend has made three changes to the Scotland side that beat Italy on the first weekend of Six Nations action, with Tom Jordan set to make his first start in the tournament.

Jordan, who came off the bench to great effect in a hard-fought 31-19 win over the Italians, has taken the place of Stafford McDowall at inside centre.

Elsewhere, Jack Dempsey starts at number eight, with Matt Fagerson moving to blindside flanker and Jamie Ritchie dropping to the bench.

The other change comes in the front row and sees Rory Sutherland preferred ahead of Pierre Schoeman.

The Scots have won just one of their last 15 games against their Celtic neighbours and have lost their last 10, dating back to the 2017 Six Nations.

Ben White retains his place at scrum-half, while fly-half Finn Russell will once again co-ordinate an attack that will need to fire on all cylinders to secure an upset.

Hat-trick hero Huw Jones is at outside centre once again, while wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham and full-back Blair Kinghorn make up the back three.

In the pack, Dave Cherry gets the nod at hooker again after impressing last week, while co-captain Rory Darge was also a standout performer in the win over Italy.

Townsend said: "I think there are similarities with the three of them, which is the real energy that they bring, they're quick players, they are in good form.

"Jack obviously was getting back into full fitness and he's now had three weeks training with us, he's good to go. He's been a starter for us for the last few years.

"I feel Rory has earned it, he brings a lot of speed in his kick-chase, his defence and his ball-carrying.

"With Tom, it was great to see him again play like he has done in the 15 jersey for us in November. 12 was probably his natural position, it was the position he played most of his rugby growing up, so I think all three deserve an opportunity to start."

Scotland starting XV

15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Darcy Graham
13. Huw Jones
12. Tom Jordan
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Finn Russell (c)
9. Ben White

1. Rory Sutherland
2. Dave Cherry
3. Zander Fagerson
4. Jonny Gray
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Matt Fagerson
7. Rory Darge (c)
8. Jack Dempsey

Replacements
16. Ewan Ashman
17. Pierre Schoeman
18. Will Hurd
19. Sam Skinner
20. Gregor Brown
21. Jamie Ritchie
22. Jamie Dobie
23. Stafford McDowall