Peter O'Mahony to earn 100th cap for Ireland as Farrell names squad for Scotland clash

O'Mahony was named in Andy Farrell’s team for the Pool B finale on Thursday afternoon following the squad’s departure from their training base of the last five weeks in Tours

Thu, 05 Oct, 2023 - 14:32

Simon Lewis

Peter O’Mahony will earn his 100th cap for Ireland on Saturday when the Grand Slam winners face Scotland for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The 34-year-old flanker was named in Andy Farrell’s team for the Pool B finale on Thursday afternoon following the squad’s departure from their training base of the last five weeks in Tours for a new home north of Paris.

Farrell has made two changes from the starting line-up which helped to overcome defending champions South Africa at Stade de France 12 days ago.

Hooker Dan Sheehan moving from the bench to reclaim the number two jersey as Ronan Kelleher drops to the bench while another switch between bench and starters sees Iain Henderson promoted to the second row as James Ryan is taken out of the XV having managed a wrist injury since the 13-8 win over the Springboks.

STARTING BERTH: Iain Henderson. Picture: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Jack Conan is in line for a first appearance of the tournament having recovered from a foot injury sustained on August 5 against Italy.

Conan has been named as Ireland’s back-row replacement but there is an enforced change on the bench with centre Robbie Henshaw ruled out through injury, Farrell naming the previously unused Stuart McCloskey as his outside back cover.

O’Mahony will become Ireland’s 10th male Test centurion, including current team-mate and captain Johnny Sexton and replacement Conor Murray, almost 12 years after his debut against Italy in February 2012.

The Corkman features in an unchanged back-row alongside Josh van der Flier and No.8 Calean Doris.

IRELAND (v Scotland): H Keenan; M Hansen, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe; J Sexton (C), J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; T Beirne, I Henderson; P O’Mahony, J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, D Kilcoyne, F Bealham, J Ryan, J Conan, C Murray, J Crowley, S McCloskey.