Blair Kinghorn to make first Scotland start against Ireland
BLAIR Kinghorn will make a first start for Scotland as he was chosen on Wednesday to replace the injured Tommy Seymour at wing in coach Gregor Townsend’s only change to his side to take on Ireland in the Six Nations today.
Seymour has not recovered from a back injury suffered in Scotland’s Calcutta Cup success over England at Murrayfield two weeks ago when they beat the auld enemy 25-13.
The 21-year-old Kinghorn debuted as a substitute in the match.
It was no surprise that Townsend stuck with a winning combination after Scotland scored a second successive win in this year’s competition and are now looking to derail Ireland’s hopes of a Grand Slam when they play in Dublin.
Scotland added 10 players to their squad on Monday including the return from injury of a number of stalwarts like Richie Gray and Zander Fagerson, but only hooker Fraser Brown made it into the match 23.
“We were delighted with the result against England and backing up our win against France with an improved performance,” said Townsend in a statement.
“The intent we showed in attack and defence in the first half was very encouraging and we continued to work hard in the second half. The effort that went into denying England a second try in the closing minutes was great to see.
“Our players had prepared very well for the challenge of taking on England and there has been a similar focus and commitment this week at training.
“There are a few areas of our game that we are working to improve and we are aware that we will have to be better if we are to beat a very good Ireland side in Dublin.”
Wales, who have lost their last two games away in England and Ireland, play tomorrow against an Italian team who have conceded an average of 45 points in each of their three defeats in this year’s Six Nations.
Wales have lost just twice to Italy in 25 previous meetings but never at home.
England take on France in the other Six Nations clash in Paris today.