The Andy Farrell era of Irish rugby kicks off this weekend and the new head coach has named his team to face Scotland in the Aviva on Saturday. While the side features plenty of familiar faces at international level, there is also a first start for Leinster's Caelan Doris.
Rob Herring steps into the shoes of the retired Rory Best at hooker, with Farrell opting for him ahead of Leinster's Ronan Kelleher, who is on the bench after returning from injury. Herring's joined by Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong in the front row, while Iain Henderson and James Ryan make up the second row. Meanwhile, Caelan Doris will make his international debut in the backrow, alongside CJ Stander at 6 and Josh van der Flier at 7.
Alongside Johnny Sexton, Farrell has kept faith with Conor Murray at scrum-half despite mounting pressure from the in-form John Cooney. Jordan Larmour starts at full back with Jacob Stockdale and Andrew Conway on the wings. In terms of the centre partnership, Farrell has gone with the axis of Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki, who has nudged out Robbie Henshaw.
The full team is:
15. Jordan Larmour
14. Andrew Conway
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton (capt)
9. Conor Murray
1. Cian Healy
2. Rob Herring
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Iain Henderson
5. James Ryan
6. CJ Stander
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris
Replacements:
16. Kelleher
17. Kilcoyne
18. Porter
19. Toner
20. O'Mahony
21. Cooney
22. Byrne
23. Henshaw
