Scotland team to play Ireland in Six Nations: The area of concern, key man call and certainties

A win for Scotland - which would be their first over the Irish for nine years - could secure the title. They go into the last round of fixtures level on points with France and need to better their result in Paris against England, which kicks off six hours later than the game in Dublin.

We may be in the rare position of supporting the Auld Enemy in a rugby match. And while Townsend can have no influence over what England do at the Stade de France, he holds all the cards when it comes to Scotland. We take a look at the selections posers in front of him for Saturday’s game with Ireland.

The front row

Townsend may be tempted to go with the same-set up as against France. The forwards were very impressive against a formidable opponent. The front row consisted of props D’arcy Rae and Pierre Schoeman, with George Turner at hooker.

Turner put in one of his best performances in some time for Scotland and was very accurate with his line-out throwing. He should keep his place at No 2. Schoeman scored a try and carried with power. He is a shoo-in (pun very much intended).

Rae came off just before half-time for Zander Fagerson in what looked a pre-meditated move. Will it be in his mind this time around? Fagerson remains a key player for Scotland and Townsend may want his powers at the end of the game rather than the beginning.

Second row

Locks are an issue because the two that started against France are now unavailable. Gregor Brown (hamstring) and Scott Cummings (calf) have returned to Glasgow Warriors for further treatment. Both have fared well this tournament, but Cummings has grown into a leader, a lineout expert and a ferocious presence in the pack. He will be missed.

The experienced Grant Gilchrist appears certain to come back in. Who partners him is up for debate. Jonny Gray, Alex Craig and Max Williamson appear the most likely candidates.

Back row

The Glasgow Warriors triumvirate of Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey continue to excel for Scotland and will likely be given the shirts once more.

The likes of Josh Bayliss and Freddy Douglas can offer able assistance off the bench.

Half-backs and centres

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. After getting under Antoine Dupont’s skin, Ben White should remain at scrum-half. Can he do the same to disrupt Jamison Gibson-Park? He has been the perfect foil for stand-off Finn Russell, who simply must play.

In the centres, France head coach Fabien Galthie identified how good captain Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones were against them. They will surely be tasked to go again in Dublin. The only slight issue is that Jones came off with a small niggle, but Townsend did not seem overly concerned about him post-France.

Wingers and full-back

Kyle Steyn came off injured against France with a deep gash to the foot, but he is expected to be fit. This is good news given that he has been one of the players of the tournament - both defensively and offensively.

Like Steyn, fellow winger Darcy Graham scored twice against France. With Duhan van der Merwe nursing an ankle injury, the duo must be called upon once more.

Blair Kinghorn was very good at full-back and while Tom Jordan is a viable alternative, his versatility off the bench is a bonus. Go with Kinghorn at 15.

My Scotland team: 15 Blair Kinghorn; 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Darcy Graham; 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Grant Gilchrist, 5 Max Williamson, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey.