Ireland v Scotland: Andy Farrell makes four changes as Tommy O'Brien returns

Michael Bolton

Andy Farrell has made four changes to the Ireland side to play Scotland in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday in the Six Nations.

Tommy O'Brien comes into the side on the left wing for Jacob Stockdale, who is left out of the squad.

Joe McCarthy comes into the second row, with Josh Van Der Flier coming into the back row, with Nick Timoney among the replacements.

Bundee Aki is named among the replacements, with his Connacht teammate Darragh Murray providing cover in the second row.

James Ryan misses out through injury.

Tom O'Toole will continue at loosehead, and is joined in the front row by Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.

IRELAND: Jamie Osborne; Rob Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O’Brien; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan, Tadhgh Furlong; Joe McCarthy, Tadhgh Beirne; Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Mike Milne, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Ciarán Frawley, Bundee Aki.

Scotland has made three changes to the side which defeated France in Murrayfield last Saturday.

Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist make up the second row, with Zander Fagerson coming into the front row.

Scotland: Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (capt), Kyle Steyn; Finn Russell (vice-capt), Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson; Max Williamson, Grant Gilchrist; Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge (vice-capt), Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, D’Arcy Rae, Alex Craig, Magnus Bradbury, George Horne, Kyle Rowe, Tom Jordan.

To win the Six Nations, Ireland must defeat Scotland and hope England claims a shock win in Paris over France.

If Ireland were to win without a bonus point, two bonus points for France would see them retain their crown.

If Scotland defeats Ireland and France loses to England, Scotland would win the Six Nations.

A bonus point victory for Scotland, and if France failed to get a bonus point win over England, Gregor Townsend's side would win the Six Nations.

For France, its destiny is in its own hands. If they defeat England with a bonus point, their points difference will likely mean they will win the Six Nations.

They play last, so they will have the advantage of knowing exactly what they will need come Saturday night.