Scotland will attempt to lay down a marker in the Six Nations by defeating Ireland for the first time in eight years on Sunday.
Not since a 27-22 victory under Vern Cotter at Murrayfield in 2017 have the Scots tasted victory in the fixture with their record standing at 10 successive defeats, losing 14 of the last 15 meetings against the Irish.
Both sides got their respective 2025 tournaments off to the ideal start last weekend with Scotland securing a bonus-point 31-19 victory over Italy in Edinburgh while Ireland also collected the full five points from their 27-22 win over England in Dublin.
Ireland are bidding to become the first side to win three successive Six Nations while Scotland have not finished higher than third since last lifting the trophy in 1999 in the final year of the Five Nations.
Both camps have suffered key injury blows with Scotland missing captain Sione Tuipulotu while Ireland are without their top scrummager Tadhg Furlong. Team selection will be key for Gregor Townsend if he is to end his wait for a first win over Ireland as Scotland head coach.
Here is how we think the Scotland starting XV will look when it is announced on Friday lunchtime...
5. Grant Gilchrist
Expected to retain his place in the second row against Ireland and should win his 77th cap. | SNS Group
6. Matt Fagerson
Started at No 8 against Italy but moved to six when Jack Dempsey came on in the second half and is likely to remain there for the visit of Ireland, with Jamie Ritchie the one to drop out. | SNS Group
7. Rory Darge
Scotland’s co-captain pushed Huw Jones all the way for man-of-the-match honours in the win over Italy and will be a key player against the Irish. | SNS Group / SRU
8. Jack Dempsey
His performance off the bench against Italy should be sufficient to see him start this weekend. Has overcome the shoulder injury he sustained v South Africa in the autumn. | SNS Group / SRU