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

Send us your Irish rugby views

  1. Get Involvedpublished at 13:47 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    Who do you want to see take on Scotland in Dublin?

    Has anyone stood out?

    And what are you thoughts on the game? Let us know using 'Get Involved'.

  2. What about Ireland?published at 13:44 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    Ask me anythingImage source, BBC Sport
    Jamison Gibson-ParkImage source, Getty Images

    Third-placed Ireland, who battled to a 27-17 bonus-point victory over Wales on Friday, are two points behind France and Scotland on 14 points.

    Andy Farrell's side lost to France in their opening game but have fought back to give themselves a chance of clinching a third title in four years.

    However, they will need an out-of-form England side to shock France in Paris.

    • Ireland will guarantee the title if they secure a bonus-point win over Scotland and England overcome France.
    • An Ireland victory without a bonus point will be enough if France lose and only earn one bonus point.
    • A draw or defeat by Scotland would end Ireland's title challenge.
  3. How can Scotland win Six Nations?published at 13:41 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    Ask me anythingImage source, BBC Sport

    Scotland's sensational win over France put them in contention for a first title since their 1999 triumph in the old Five Nations.

    However, Scotland have lost their last 11 matches against Ireland and have not won in Dublin since 2010.

    With the table being so tight there are some complicated permutations.

    • If Scotland beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (14:10 GMT kick-off), and England shock France at the Stade de France, the title will be theirs.
    • A Scotland bonus-point win and a regulation four-point victory for France would also be enough for a first Six Nations title.
    • A draw would be enough if France lose without collecting two bonus points.
  4. Postpublished at 13:37 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    Six Nations fixturesImage source, BBC Sport

    It's a huge, huge, huge final weekend in the Six Nations.

    France are the favourites, but how can Scotland or Ireland spoil the party?

  5. Postpublished at 13:33 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    Six Nations tableImage source, BBC Sport

    Here's a look at how things stand heading into the final weekend, with France, Scotland and Ireland all still in contention.

    Tasty.

  6. Hello, all!published at 13:29 GMT 12 March

    Ireland v Scotland (14:10 GMT)

    Andy FarrellImage source, Getty Images

    Afternoon, everyone.

    Before we get to the excitement of Saturday, we've some team announcements to get through.

    Scotland have named their team for Saturday's massive game in Dublin and now it's over to Andy Farrell and Ireland.

    The Irish team will be out at 14:00 GMT, while Farrell will speak to the media at 16:00 GMT.

    Stay tuned, we'll have all the updates right here.

  7. More rugby...published at 12:25 GMT 12 March

    Right that concludes our coverage of Scotland's team announcement before Saturday's huge game against Ireland in Dublin.

    Remember there's live text coverage of the game right here on the BBC Sport website, as well as radio commentary on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 5 Live.

    Our BBC Northern Ireland colleagues will be back around 13:30 GMT to bring you the Ireland team announcement.

    In the meantime, check out:

  8. 'Bradbury brings strong carries'published at 12:22 GMT 12 March

    Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend also mentions what he hopes Magnus Bradbury can add from the bench.

    "Magnus brings us that front-foot ball-carry," he said.

    "He's physical in defence too. He won two jackals in the last game he played for Edinburgh, so he can compete post-tackle.

    "We went for that 5-3 split and we feel 5-3 is right this week given we had a few injuries in the back end last week, and also the form of Kyle Rowe that we've been seeing in training.

    "His last game for Glasgow was outstanding. I think Magnus just fits better for this weekend. Obviously, for Freddie [Douglas] and Josh [Bayliss], they're unlucky to miss out."

  9. Williamson better for Wales experiencepublished at 12:18 GMT 12 March

    Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend says lock Max Williamson is ready to bounce back after being substituted early in Cardiff and dropped from the squad last week against France.

    “I think Max would have played well at the weekend," he said.

    "Sometimes you don't get a second opportunity and it's great that he's going to get that opportunity in such a big game as well.

    "Not everyone plays well and we made a couple of changes after 30-35 minutes [against Wales]. I'm sure Max would have grown into the game. That was a tough start for all of us as a team.

    "The atmosphere in Cardiff that day really energised the Welsh team. The positive is that Max has had that experience. He knows what he needs to do. He'll be so determined to play his best rugby now in an away game, which he's already experienced this year."

  10. Scotland have 'belief' they can change Ireland scriptpublished at 12:16 GMT 12 March

    Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "The belief is there and when we get our game right and the elements of a game, it can put pressure on any defence.

    "When we get our defence in place, we can frustrate opposition, we can get the ball back, but this is a different challenge. It'll be a different style of game than last week's.

    "We're playing away from home which is a big challenge in itself and we're playing against a top quality side and over the past few years, Ireland have played well against us. We've not always played well. Sometimes we have.

    "We're expecting a real physical challenge. They're a top side. Their performance against England was one of the standout performances of this year's Championship and if they deliver that, which we're expecting them to do, we're going to have to be be very, very good to win."

  11. Players look 'fresh' for Irelandpublished at 12:09 GMT 12 March

    Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "That performance [against France] was close to the best that we've seen from this group and from probably any Scotland team.

    "The expectations might be there to repeat that performance but what we want to see from it is are they physically ready? They're fresh.

    "We've seen them at training this week. We've done some contact work yesterday. They're up for that challenge.

    "Then you just have to work out what game needs to be delivered. It'll be a different game than last week. You've got to adapt, stick together for that 80 minutes and give it everything."

  12. Scotland 'not talked about' titlepublished at 12:06 GMT 12 March

    Scotland head Gregor Townsend was asked about playing for the Six Nations title on Saturday.

    “We've not talked about that," he said.

    "It's really another opportunity to play. The final opportunity for this group to go out and play.

    "You can see that they're loving playing together. We see it in training. The togetherness is in that group. This is just our final chance to do that before they go back to their clubs.”

  13. Postpublished at 12:05 GMT 12 March

    Right, let's hear from the Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend...

  14. Could Steyn be player of tournament?published at 11:55 GMT 12 March

    Kyle Steyn said after the win over France a gash on his leg was never going to keep him out of the Ireland game.

    Just as well for Scotland - he has been immense. Dominant in the air, scoring tries, and generally making gains.

    The winger has beaten more defenders than any other player in the Six Nations, and gained most metres per carry.

    If he turns in another stellar display in Dublin, he has got to be in the running to be named as the best player of the 2026 Six Nations.

    Scotland's Kyle Steyn breaks through to score his side's fifth try during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield,Image source, SNS
  15. Postpublished at 11:49 GMT 12 March

    Is that the Scotland team to break a run of 11 consecutive losses against Ireland?

    If they manage it, it will be a first Triple Crown since 1990 and the first time ever winning four games in a Six Nations campaign.

    Then it would be over to France...

  16. ICYMI: Scotland team to face Irelandpublished at 11:46 GMT 12 March

    Scotland XV to play Ireland with Kyle Steyn pictureImage source, BBC Sport

    Replacements: 16. Ewan Ashman, 17. Rory Sutherland, 18. Darcy Rae, 19. Alex Craig, 20. Magnus Bradbury, 21. George Horne, 22. Kyle Rowe, 23. Tom Jordan.

  17. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 11:42 GMT 12 March

    Stevie: Why do they name the team a couple of days before the game? Is it a rule to do so? In football the team line-up gets announced 1 hour before kick-off.

    Good question, Stevie. It is one of the oddity's of rugby union. Yes, it is in the rules of the Six Nations that line-ups must be announced at least 48 hours before a game.

    Teams can do it even earlier, and some do. England have been announcing their line-ups for a Saturday game on Tuesday.

  18. Postpublished at 11:35 GMT 12 March

    Gregor Townsend is answering questions on his team selection at the moment.

    We will bring you his thoughts right here as soon as we can.

  19. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 11:33 GMT 12 March

    Archie: Given the numerous injuries within the Forwards, Townsend is still able to field a strong pack, although there must be worries about the locks. You can see the Irish targeting the forwards and keeping the play narrow. Scary, and proven Scottish back line.

    David: With the wee niggling doubts about Dempsey, Steyn and Jones I think there is logic in the 5-3 split. There are direct replacements on the bench if any of them can't play 80 because their niggles play up - Bradbury, Rowe and Jordan. Good move.

    Adam: Second row is the obvious concern. If we struggle at the set piece then Ireland will win. I like the look of the bench, cmon lads!

  20. Who is Alex Craig?published at 11:27 GMT 12 March

    Those who do not necessarily follow club rugby every single week might not know too much about second row replacement Alex Craig.

    The 6ft 5 ins lock is from Dumfries and made his breakthrough at Gloucester before moving to Scarlets in Wales.

    He thrived in Llanelli, topping a lot of tackle charts, and was named the club's Players' Player of the Season in 2024.

    Returning back up the road to Scotstoun he has helped Glasgow to a fine campaign so far.

    He made his Scotland debut back in 2021 against Italy and played against France in that same Six Nations campaign.

    The 28-year-old has made only four appearances for his country since, mainly against Tier Two opposition on summer tours and in November internationals.

    It will be a big moment for him when he comes off the bench in Dublin on Saturday.

    Alex Craig during a Scotland Rugby training session at Oriam, on March 09, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland.Image source, SNS