Summary

  • Scotland & Ireland rugby team announcements

  • Gregor Townsend makes three changes for Scotland

  • Ireland made four changes as Bundee Aki on bench

  • Andy Farrell news conference scheduled for 16:00

  • Both sides can still win Six Nations title on Saturday

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  1. See you on Super Saturday!published at 16:29 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Caelan Doris and Finn RussellImage source, Getty Images

    That's all for now, folks.

    There's a lot on the line on Saturday, so you won't want to miss a thing. Thankfully, we've got you covered.

    With the Triple Crown on the line, and potentially even the title, Scotland will look to stun Ireland in their own back yard.

    We'll have all the build-up on the BBC Sport app and website from 12:30 GMT.

    You can also listen to the game on BBC Sounds, as well as England's trip to Paris (one the winners of the early game will be keeping an eye on).

    The middle game between Wales and Italy is also live on BBC iPlayer, which should be entertaining.

    Thanks for joining us. Have a good evening and we'll catch you on Super Saturday.

  2. Postpublished at 16:27 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Before we go, here's a reminder of the two teams.

    Ireland lock James Ryan has been ruled out as head coach Andy Farrell makes four changes for Saturday's Six Nations Triple Crown decider against Scotland in Dublin.

    Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O'Brien; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O'Toole, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Beirne, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

    Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Murray, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, Aki.

    Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new-look second row, and Zander Fagerson is back in the starting XV, as Scotland chase the victory away to Ireland that could lead to a first Six Nations title.

    Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

    Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.

  3. The Ireland Rugby Socialpublished at 16:25 GMT 12 March

    Listen & subscribe on BBC Sounds

    Make sure to listen and subscribe to the Ireland Rugby Social on BBC Sounds!

    This week, Gavin Andrews and Conor Murray were joined by Andrew Trimble for a big Ireland v Scotland preview.

    Gavin and Conor will also be back on Saturday to react to the big game!

    And keep up to date on all things Irish rugby on our dedicated page!

    Media caption,

    Andrew Trimble joins the pod to preview Ireland’s titanic game against Scotland

  4. Postpublished at 16:23 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    What is the Triple Crown? And how can it be won?

    Faith Harper explains all...

    Media caption,

    What is the Triple Crown?

  5. Postpublished at 16:21 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    Andy Farrell seems determined to give lots of players debuts. Edogbo seemed next 2nd row in line and did nothing wrong in short appearance, locked out a creaking scrum etc. But now Murray goes in.

    Michael, London

  6. Stockdale 'unlucky'published at 16:18 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby

    Jacob StockdaleImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Stockdale has been left out despite his try-scoring return against Wales last week

    Farrell on Tommy O'Brien's selection ahead of Jacob Stockdale: "We all know what type of player Tommy is, he attacks the game and that's all he knows. He done that against England and he deserves his chance.

    "Jacob could be proud of what he has done in this Six Nations. He has proven to himself, us and everyone that he belongs and at this level. He has made great strides getting back onto the scene and he's very unlucky. He'll be disappointed not to take to the field."

  7. O'Toole 'an amazing story'published at 16:14 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby

    Tom O'TooleImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Tom O'Toole started at loose-head prop against Wales having spent most of his career as a tight-head

    Farrell on Bundee Aki's return to the squad: "He's in great form. He's one of those players who make the dressing room feel right, and he's definitely done that over the past two weeks."

    On Tom O'Toole's starting spot and moving across the front row: "I've said before that it's an amazing story and you can never underestimate what he's done there, going from the other side (of the scrum) and stepping up to the plate.

    "I actually think there's more in his game and he's raring to show that. He's a fantastic player. Being able to put the likes of Tom, Nick Timoney or Rob Baloucoune - I could name the whole squad - being able to put them into a cup final week, as you were, is fantastic."

  8. 'An unbelievable team-mate'published at 16:10 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby

    Farrell on Darragh Murray, who will make his debut off the bench: "He's a great rugby player. He's very young and he's had a very patient campaign so far. He's been an unbeliveable team-mate in the way he has helped prepare everyone else.

    "It sows the attritional side of the game and that anything can jump out at you. It shows if you prepare well and keep showing that you belong at this level, then they will put their trust in you. That's what has happened this week with Darragh."

    Darragh MurrayImage source, Getty Images
  9. Graham 'entitled to his opinion'published at 16:07 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby

    Farrell on Darcy Graham's "there for the taking" comments: "He's entitled to his opinion, first and foremost. He's a great lad and I got to know him with the [British and Irish] Lions.

    "It's how he feels and obviously how the squad feels. Rightly so, in my opinion. They were outstanding against France and we have been preparing for another Scottish performance like that.

    "We'll have to be at our best to beat them as they are a side we have always respected."

  10. Ireland 'desperate' to winpublished at 16:04 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby

    Farrell on Super Saturday and dreaming of the Six Nations title: "Dreaming big for something bigger? Of course you would like to dream like that but the rest is out of our hands.

    "But something is in our hands and we will focus on our performance, first and foremost. It would be nice to win something that is pretty special for us, and that's the Triple Crown.

    "It's been hard to come by over the years when playing for Ireland, so we're desperate to get across that."

    Andy FarrellImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Farrell has never lost to Scotland as Ireland head coach

  11. 'Any team would miss Ryan'published at 16:02 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby

    Andy Farrell on James Ryan's injury: "It wasn't late in the week for us. He had a bang to his calf during the game and we thought it was going to be fine.

    "We tried to get him going, we trained on Tuesday but he didn't even get to start so that was that. The rest of the squad have trained fully.

    "It's disappointing for James and for us because he has been in unbelievable for in the Six Nations, and any team would miss a player like James."

  12. Postpublished at 15:59 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby

    Here's Andy Farrell. Stay tuned, folks.

  13. Talking pointspublished at 15:57 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Bundee AkiImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Bundee Aki has returned from suspension

    So, what can we expect from Andy Farrell's press conference in a few minutes?

    You would imagine the small topic of the Triple Crown and Six Nations titles will be mentioned.

    Bundee Aki's return is also set to be a big talking point, as is the inclusion of big second row Darragh Murray.

    After Darcy Graham's "there for the taking comments" earlier in the week, I wonder if Farrell will be asked about those being potential fuel.

    We'll bring you updates as they happen.

  14. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 15:54 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    The strongest possible Irish 23 given the options available. Except for Ryan. His "dog" will be missed. But it is more than good enough to take the Triple Crown, and possibly, the Championship.

    John, Amsterdam

  15. 'Ryan loss a big blow'published at 15:50 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Matt Gault
    BBC Sport NI senior journalist

    The loss of James Ryan is a big blow for Ireland.

    After his red card in the defeat by South Africa in November, he started the opening Six Nations loss to France on the bench.

    But he has seemed determined to prove a point since. Especially superb in the win over England, Ireland will miss his physicality and breakdown threat.

    But Tadhg Beirne isn't bad as far as replacements go and it has opened up a surprise chance for the 6ft 7in Darragh Murray to make an impact off the bench.

  16. What happened in 2022?published at 15:47 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland lift the Triple CrownImage source, Getty Images

    Ireland's pack starred as they beat Scotland to clinch their first Triple Crown in four years but their Six Nations title hopes were later dashed when France defeated England.

    Andy Farrell's side would have been crowned champions had England beaten France on Saturday night, but the French were too strong as they lifted the trophy.

    Ireland's victory over Scotland came courtesy of tries from Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Josh van der Flier and Conor Murray.

    Pierre Schoeman registered Scotland's only score shortly before half-time.

    The defeat ends another disappointing tournament for Gregor Townsend's side - one that started so brightly with a brilliant win over England - in which they finished fourth.

    Trailing Ireland by three points in the standings going into their Paris encounter, France knew any manner of victory over the English would secure what was a first Grand Slam since 2010.

  17. Postpublished at 15:45 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Well, Roger, in 2022 there was a similar but not quite identical situation as recently as 2022.

    Ireland needed to beat Scotland on the final day to win Triple Crown and needed a favour from England against France to have any chance of the overall title.

    Scotland had narrowly lost to Wales earlier in the tournament so weren't in the running for the Triple Crown.

    Can they make it count this time around?

  18. Postpublished at 15:43 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Have these two nations ever played each other in a Triple Crown decider, or is this new and exciting territory for them?

    Roger, St Andrews

  19. Attack v defence?published at 15:40 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ireland Rugby Social
    Listen on BBC Sounds

    Former Ireland scrum-half and Ireland Rugby Social pundit Conor Murray breaks down where he thinks the Triple Crown will be won.

    Media caption,

    Conor Murray on Ireland v Scotland

  20. Get Involvedpublished at 15:36 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (Sat, 14:10 GMT)

    Ryan is a loss physically. Thought Henderson would be a better like for like replacement. Dropping Stockdale means O'Brien v Steyn. Aerial battle going one way there. Think this selection tips the scales in Scotland's favour

    Peter, Belfast