Tom Jordan makes his first Six Nations begin as Scotland make three adjustments from the crew that beat Italy final weekend.
Rory Sutherland is available in at loose-head prop and Jack Dempsey is at quantity eight, whereas Jordan is chosen at inside centre having impressed as a substitute towards Italy.
New Zealand-born Jordan, 26, made his Scotland bow throughout the autumn collection, having certified on residency grounds. Each of his worldwide begins so far have been at full-back, whereas he primarily performs at fly-half for membership aspect Glasgow Warriors.
Sutherland’s earlier Check begin got here final summer time towards Uruguay, whereas he hasn’t began a Six Nations match since February 2022 in a win over England.
“I feel there are similarities with the three of them, which is the actual power that they carry, they’re fast gamers, they’re in good type,” mentioned Townsend.
“Jack clearly was getting again into full health and he is now had three weeks coaching with us, he is good to go. He is been a starter for us for the previous couple of years.
“I really feel Rory has earned it, he brings a number of velocity in his kick-chase, his defence and his ball-carrying.
“With Tom, it was nice to see him once more play like he has executed within the 15 jersey for us in November. 12 was in all probability his pure place, it was the place he performed most of his rugby rising up, so I feel all three deserve a possibility to start out.”
Pierre Schoeman, Jamie Ritchie and Stafford McDowell drop to the bench whereas Matt Fagerson switches to the blindside flank to accommodate Dempsey’s return.
Sam Skinner is among the many replacements, having been added to the squad this week, and Jamie Dobie is most popular to George Horne as back-up to scrum-half Ben White.
Eire, led by interim head coach Simon Easterby, beat England of their event opener final weekend as they try and win a 3rd successive title.
