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starting XV

Marshall and Trimble given 6 Nations starting roles against Scotland

Joe Schmidt has made three changes from the side who lost to New Zealand last time out.

IRELAND COACH JOE Schmidt has handed an international recall to Ulster wing Andrew Trimble for Sunday’s Six Nations opener at home to Scotland.

A groin injury to Luke Fitzgerald has paved the way for Trimble’s return to the starting line-up for just the second time since facing South Africa in November 2012.

In three changes from the side who faced New Zealand in November Schmidt’s other big selection call is to pick Luke Marshall over Gordon D’Arcy in the centre.

As expected, Paul O’Connell captains the side and Chris Henry comes in for the injured Sean O’Brien with Tommy O’Donnell providing back row cover from the bench.

Fergus McFadden’s return to fitness allows him take up a place among the replacements with brothers Rob and Dave Kearney completing the back three behind Brian O’Driscoll.

As Jonathan Sexton came through last week’s outing for Racing Metro unscathed, he will take the reins at number 10 with Paddy Jackson on the bench alongside Isaac Boss.

Ireland (v Scotland): R Kearney, D Kearney, B O’Driscoll, L Marshall, A Trimble; J Sexton, C Murray:  C Healy, R Best, M Ross; D Toner, P O’Connell (Capt.), P O’Mahony, C Henry, J Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Moore, D Tuohy, T O’Donnell, I Boss, P Jackson, F McFadden.

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