SNS GroupJack Dempsey will make his first Six Nations start for Scotland on Sunday after Gregor Townsend made two changes to his starting XV for the BT Murrayfield showdown with Ireland.
Lock Jonny Gray is the other player added to the team, with Hamish Watson dropping to the bench and Grant Gilchrist suspended after his red card in the last match away to France.
Dempsey made his Scotland debut in the autumn after a recent change in world rugby’s eligibility rules allowed the Glasgow Warriors player to switch allegiance from his native Australia.
The 28-year-old will wear the number eight jersey, with Matt Fagerson moving to fill the flanker position vacated by Watson.
Gray, who came on early in Paris following Gilchrist’s dismissal, will continue in the second row alongside his older brother Richie. The younger Gray will also assume vice-captain duties.
There are no changes among the backs, meaning full-back Stuart Hogg will win his 100th cap.
Among the replacements, Scott Cummings is included in the 23-man squad for the first time in this championship after recovering from injury, while Chris Harris is on the bench after being left out altogether against France.
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