Gregor Townsend has selected Blair Kinghorn at stand-off for the game in Dublin in what is a bold call by the head coach.
Kinghorn, who missed last week’s win over Italy for personal reasons, will be starting a Six Nations Test match at 10 for the first time after undergoing a conversion this season from being a back three player.
The 25-year-old has impressed in the role for Edinburgh this season but the game at the Aviva Stadium will represent a significant step up.
Russell, who has had a mixed championship, is named among the replacements.
There is one other change to the Scotland starting line-up, with Jonny Gray coming in for Sam Skinner in the second row. Gray missed the games against France and Italy through injury. Skinner drops to the bench.
There are a few changes among the substitutes, with Fraser Brown coming into the squad as replacement hooker. Also chosen for the first time in this year’s Six Nations is Bath back row Josh Bayliss.
Ben White returns to the squad as back-up scrum-half, with Ben Vellacott released back to Edinburgh. Mark Bennett is also back on the bench and the presence of Russell among the subs means that Adam Hastings drops out after his brief appearance in Rome.
The match kicks off 4.45pm and is live on ITV.
9. Ali Price
Man of the match in Rome but will have a new half-back partner in Dublin. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
10. Blair Kinghorn
Picked to start at stand-off for Scotland for the first time in the Six Nations. Has impressed in the playmaker’s role for Edinburgh this season but this will be a huge test. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
11. Kyle Steyn
Set up Chris Harris for the centre’s first try against Italy after coming into the team to replace the suspended Duhan van der Merwe. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
12. Sam Johnson
Retains his place after solid showing in Rome where he scored the opening try. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group