Ireland to debut Doris in Six Nations opener against Scotland

Former Ireland Under-20 captain Caelan Doris will make his senior debut at No. 8 against Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Doris was one of two uncapped players in the first team chosen by new coach Andy Farrell yesterday, the other was Doris' Leinster clubmate, Ronan Kelleher, the reserve hooker.

Rob Herring was the starting hooker in place of retired former captain Rory Best. Kelleher may see his first action since breaking a hand on December 7.

"Caelan is super excited, and Ronan is coming back from injury and looking very solid," Farrell said at their Portugal camp.

New captain Jonathan Sexton will play for the first time since Dec. 7 when he tore ligaments in his right knee. Sexton will be in harness with longtime halves partner Conor Murray, who was chosen ahead of John Cooney, widely regarded as the form scrumhalf in Ireland.

"When we've put them under pressure, Conor's calmness has been great for the group," Farrell said.

He added Cooney has passed head injury protocols and was ready to go.

The 21-year-old Doris has been in imperious form this season, and made Farrell bump Rugby World Cup No. 8 CJ Stander to the blindside flank, where he started his Ireland career, and pushed World Cup vice-captain Peter O'Mahony to the reserves. Josh van der Flier was at openside.

Lock Devin Toner, who missed out on the World Cup, was in the reserves with a chance for a 68th cap.

Keith Earls missed out altogether, as Andrew Conway was picked on the right wing for his 19th cap but first Six Nations start at 28.