Six Nations: Scotland Unchanged For Murrayfield

Scotland coach Matt Williams has kept faith with his side – unlucky 16-9 losers against RBS Six Nations champions France last weekend – for Saturday’s Murrayfield clash with Ireland.

Borders winger Simon Danielli (bruised thigh) and tough-tackling Sale blindside flanker Jason White (bruised bicep) have recovered from injury to take their place as Williams continues his plight for a first Six Nations win.

Former Leinster boss Williams said: “We want as much cohesion with that group as possible against the tournament favourites Ireland, and I thought they did pretty well.”

Edinburgh’s Hugo Southwell continues at inside centre, despite making the second half mistake which led to France’s only try from Damien Traille in Paris. He is joined again by Andy Craig in midfield – in a partnership with just 27 caps to their name.

In sticking to his guns, Williams added: ”This is justified reward for the positive effort from all who were involved in Paris.”

RBS SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP: Saturday, February 12, Murrayfield 4.00pm:

SCOTLAND (v Ireland):

(15) Chris Paterson (Edinburgh)
(14) Simon Danielli (Borders)
(13) Andy Craig (Glasgow)
(12) Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh)
(11) Sean Lamont (Glasgow)
(10) Dan Parks (Glasgow)
(9) Chris Cusiter (Borders)
(1) Tom Smith (Northampton)
(2) Gordon Bulloch (Glasgow) (Capt)
(3) Gavin Kerr (Leeds Tykes)
(4) Stuart Grimes (Newcastle)
(5) Scott Murray (Edinburgh)
(6) Jason White (Sale Sharks)
(7) Jon Petrie (Glasgow)
(8) Allister Hogg (Edinburgh)

Replacements:

(16) Robbie Russell (London Irish)
(17) Bruce Douglas (Borders)
(18) Nathan Hines (Edinburgh)
(19) Jon Dunbar (Leeds Tykes)
(20) Mike Blair (Edinburgh)
(21) Gordon Ross (Leeds Tykes)
(22) Ben Hinshelwood (Worchester)

Referee: Joel Jutge (France)