Robinson wary of vengeful Ireland

Andy Robinson knows Scotland’s win over Ireland in last year’s RBS 6 Nations will give their opponents an added incentive at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Scotland won 23-20 for just a second victory in 11 Six Nations meetings between the sides as Ireland bode farewell to Croke Park.

It was Robinson’s first win in the tournament as Scotland head coach and now he finds himself still seeking a second after losses in the opening matches of this year’s tournament to France and Wales.

Ireland have one win from two games, but improved on their victory in Italy in the loss to France and Robinson is wary.

“We know they’re a huge threat, the players are used to coming to Murrayfield and performing,” Robinson said.

“The fact we won last year will have an added drive for them, but it’s about the here and now and the performance.

“We have a lot of respect for the way their players play.”

Robinson yesterday named a side showing seven changes to the XV which began the Wales Test.

Out go forwards Euan Murray, Nathan Hines and Richie Vernon, half-backs Rory Lawson and Dan Parks, centre Joe Ansbro and full-back Hugo Southwell.

In come Moray Low, Richie Gray, Johnnie Beattie, Mike Blair, Ruaridh Jackson, Chris Paterson and Sean Lamont, who will line up at inside centre, with Nick De Luca switching to outside centre.

Lamont and De Luca, playing outside Jackson, make for an inexperienced centre combination.

With Gordon D’Arcy and Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll the opposition, Robinson knows how key the centres will be.

He added: “It’s an area we’ve got to be really tight on this weekend.”

Beattie will be part of a familiar back row, playing next to Glasgow openside John Barclay and Kelly Brown, who moved from the Warriors to Saracens last summer, in a triumvirate much praised in recent seasons for their destructive defence and ball carrying.

Fit again following shoulder surgery, Beattie, who is set to win his 15th cap on Sunday, hopes to reward Robinson for his selection.

The 25-year-old Glasgow Warriors number eight said: “It’s a massive show of faith from Andy in giving me the starting slot again.

“I’m looking forward to repaying that faith, getting out there and trying to win this game with Scotland.”