Three changes for Schmidt as O’Brien makes timely return

JOE SCHMIDT looks set to recall Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson for the penultimate Six Nations clash against Scotland, with Garry Ringrose replacing the injured Chris Farrell in midfield.

Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray will be cleared to play if they come through this morning’s training session unscathed.

Scotland make one change to the team that beat England with debutant Blair Kinghorn coming in for the injured Tommy Seymour.

The return to fitness of Henderson and Furlong, who both missed the Wales game with hamstring issues, is a significant boost. Andrew Porter will be asked to make an impact off the bench, while James Ryan – rather than Devin Toner – is expected to get the nod to partner Henderson.

The back-row of Peter O’Mahony, Dan Leavy and CJ Stander will be retained, with Jordi Murphy set to come on to the bench.

Those players will need to perform in order to keep their places, because Seán O’Brien is in the frame to make a timely comeback from injury for Leinster against Scarlets tomorrow. If he comes through, it is likely that he’ll be called up to face England. IRELAND (Possible v Scotland) – R Kearney; K Earls, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Stockdale; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best (capt), T Furlong; I Henderson, J Ryan; P O’Mahony, D Leavy, CJ Stander. Reps: S Cronin, J McGrath, A Porter, D Toner, J Murphy, K Marmion, J Carbery, F McFadden/J Larmour.