Doris predicts seamless transition into starting XV for 'class' Calvin Nash

Ireland make a late switch for the Six Nations clash with Scotland as Calvin Nash replaces injured Mack Hansen

Sat, 08 Feb, 2025 - 15:32

Simon Lewis, Edinburgh

Caelan Doris predicted a seamless transition into the Ireland backline for Calvin Nash after the Munster wing replaced the injured Mack Hansen for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland.

Hansen was ruled out after taking no part in Ireland’s captain’s run training session at Murrayfield on Saturday afternoon, described as a precautionary measure due to a hamstring strain. The Connacht wing had suffered a cut to his knee in the opening-round victory over England last Saturday but returned from off-field treatment to complete the 27-22 win at Aviva Stadium.

The cut was cited as a concern for Hansen’s availability but he was named in Simon Easterby’s starting XV on Friday and travelled to Edinburgh with the rest of the squad.

Nash is now set to win his ninth Ireland cap and a first appearance since last summer’s series against the Springboks in South Africa. He had been an ever-present in last season’s Six Nations title success when Hansen was sidelined by a dislocated shoulder and he played in both Tests in the drawn series with the world champions.

Though Hansen’s return meant squad-mate Nash did not play a minute during the four-Test Autumn Nations Series, Ireland captain Doris on Saturday said there was total confidence in the eve-of-match replacement.

“He’s class,” Doris said following the Murrayfield pitch session. “I’ve known him for quite a while, we played together at 18s and 20s as well, so I have seen his quality the whole way, but probably over the last two years in particularly he has kicked on with Munster and took his opportunity incredibly well this time last year over in France.

“There is a lot of confidence, he has trained really well as well over the last number of weeks, so I am looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.”

Doris said there were a lot of similarities in how Hansen and Nash played for Ireland.

“I think all our wingers like to get involved a bit on the edges but also through the park of nine and whatnot and he offers there as well.”

Interim head coach Easterby had initially made two changes from the side he selected to face the English, promoting Robbie Henshaw from the bench to outside centre with Garry Ringrose moving in the other direction and bringing Peter O’Mahony in at blindside flanker.

It will be the 35-year-old back-rower’s 111th Ireland cap and Doris said O’Mahony had been key to setting the tone for Ireland in their preparations for Scotland this week.

“Amongst a few I think. He loves these games, obviously, he loves the Six Nations, he loves representing the nation, and he always adds something different, something a little bit special.

“He’s got 110 caps, 111 tomorrow, so a wealth of experience there, and just a good fella to have around camp. Last week, he was great even though he wasn’t involved.

“There is a bit of an added edge from him this week as well. He’s always someone who I enjoy having alongside me in the back-row.”