Ireland vs Scotland team news: Conor Murray beats John Cooney to start in Andy Farrell’s first Six Nations squad
In-form Ulster half-back has to make do with a place among the replacements while rookies Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher are poised to make their debut
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray has been selected ahead of John Cooney for the Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland, while Caelan Doris will make his international debut.
The choice between the experience of Murray and the outstanding form of Cooney was the biggest call facing new head coach Andy Farrell.
Farrell has opted to show faith in 78-cap Munster player Murray, with 29-year-old Cooney among the replacements, despite a series of fine displays for Ulster.
Uncapped Doris, a former Ireland Under-20s captain, has been rewarded with a start at number 8.
His Leinster team-mate Ronan Kelleher, who has not played since fracturing a hand on December 7, is named among the replacements, with Rob Herring starting at hooker in place of retired former captain Rory Best.
New skipper Johnny Sexton will lead Ireland into the Farrell era in Dublin on Saturday, starting at fly-half after overcoming a knee problem suffered in December.
Ireland team vs Scotland:
Jordan Larmour; Andrew Conway, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rob Herring, Tadhg Furlong; Iain Henderson, James Ryan; CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Devin Toner, Peter O’Mahony, John Cooney, Ross Byrne, Robbie Henshaw.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments