O’Sullivan rings the changes

Two teams with a lot to prove are set met at Croke Park for their third RBS 6 Nations games of the season today.

Ireland follow their disappointing World Cup with an unconvincing win over Italy in Dublin but did produce a stirring although unsuccessful second-half comeback in France a week later.

Eddie O’Sullivan brings in winger Tommy Bowe and lock Mick O’Driscoll, with Geordan Murphy handed a reprieve at full-back following an injury to Girvan Dempsey.

Scotland have lost heavily to France and Wales and scored just one try in five matches, prompting Frank Hadden to ring the changes.

Chris Paterson switches to stand-off in place of the dropped Dan Parks, a move designed to produce more attacking and free-flowing rugby.

Backs Rory Lamont and Simon Webster return from injury while Scott MacLeod, Alasdair Strokosch and Ally Hogg also come in, with Mike Blair captain in place of the injured Jason White.