The Daily Star Ireland
Ireland’s preparations for their second-round Guinness Six Nations clash against Scotland have been disrupted, as Mack Hansen has been ruled out of the game at Murrayfield due to injury.
Hansen had initially been a concern earlier in the week after sustaining a deep cut to his left knee during last week’s victory over England. However, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) later confirmed that his withdrawal is due to an unrelated hamstring issue in his right leg.
Stepping into the starting lineup on the right wing is Calvin Nash, who will earn his ninth international cap. This will be his first appearance for Ireland since last summer’s tour of South Africa. The 27-year-old was a key figure in last year’s Six Nations, starting all five matches when Hansen was sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.
Nash had been unfortunate to miss out on selection for Ireland’s opening game of the tournament, despite an impressive two-try performance in Munster’s final Investec Champions Cup pool match against Northampton Saints. Meanwhile, Hansen was unavailable for that fixture as he served a three-match suspension following his remarks about referee Chris Busby after Connacht’s URC defeat to Leinster in December.
Hansen’s absence marks the third change to Ireland’s starting XV from last week’s 27-22 win over England. Alongside Nash’s inclusion, Peter O’Mahony and Robbie Henshaw have also been drafted into the lineup, with Ryan Baird and Garry Ringrose moving to the bench.
Ireland’s Starting XV vs Scotland:
Backs: Hugo Keenan; Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park
Forwards: Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt)
Replacements:
Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw
