Tommy O'Donnell to start for Ireland against Scotland

By Michael Kelleher

Image: Tommy O'Donnell starts at number seven for Ireland against Scotland

Joe Schmidt has made one change to Ireland’s starting line-up for their Six Nations finale against Scotland, with Munster flanker Tommy O’Donnell starting in place of Leinster’s Josh van der Flier.

Captain Rory Best was the only known doubt from the team who dismantled Italy last Saturday, but the hooker has overcome a calf strain and is fit to start.

Simon Zebo starts at full-back as expected with Rob Kearney again sidelined with hamstring trouble, while Keith Earls will win his 50th cap on the left wing.

Van der Flier has taken advantage of Ireland's raft of back-row injuries to prove his Test credentials with impressive performances against England and Italy.

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Image: Josh Van der Flier started for Ireland against England and Italy

Schmidt confirmed the 22-year-old is available for selection against Scotland but he is keen not to put too much on his shoulders in his debut Six Nations campaign.

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That contributed to his decision to rest Van der Flier entirely, with O'Donnell starting at number seven and Leinster team-mate Rhys Ruddock offering back-row cover off the bench.

"Josh has shipped a couple of knocks in the last two games, he took another knock on Monday," said Schmidt.

"It's been an attritional few weeks for Josh, with big 80 minutes back to back. He's fit to play, but carrying a few knocks.

"Conversely, Tommy has trained very well. He hasn't had the luckiest of preparations in previous times. We're looking forward to him contributing with an athletic performance."

Connacht's talented 22-year-old lock Ultan Dillane has another chance to impress off the bench, while fit-again Cian Healy and Eoin Reddan are restored to the replacements after missing last weekend's rout of Italy.

Ireland: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Andrew Trimble 13, Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 1 Jack McGrath, 2 Rory Best (capt), 3 Mike Ross, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 5 Devin Toner, 6 CJ Stander, 7 Tommy O'Donnell, 8 Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Nathan White, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Fergus McFadden

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