Six Nations 2025: Ireland make two changes as Peter O’Mahony, Robbie Henshaw return for Scotland Test | Rugby Union News
Ireland have recalled experienced duo Peter O’Mahony and Robbie Henshaw for Sunday’s Six Nations game against Scotland at Murrayfield.
The Munster flanker was not included in the squad for last week’s 27-22 victory over England but returns as one of two changes named by interim head coach Simon Easterby.
O’Mahony captained Ireland to Six Nations victory last year but is back in the starting XV for the first time since their summer tour to South Africa, having been limited to appearances from the bench during November’s Autumn Nations Series.
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Highlights of South Africa’s’s action-packed win over Ireland in their opening Test in Pretoria last summer
The 35-year-old replaces Ryan Baird in the back row, while Robbie Henshaw – who came on during the second half in Dublin last week – replaces Garry Ringrose at outside centre as the other change.
Easterby said: “Sunday’s game presents a significant challenge against a Scotland side that had a very good Autumn Nations Series and have started the Six Nations with a positive bonus point win over Italy. We have taken confidence from the win over England this week and there are undoubtedly areas for improvement.
“Selection was a real challenge again which reinforces the competition for places. As we approach Round 2, it’s about improvement and building momentum. We know that we will need to start the game strongly and meet their physical challenge.”
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England captain Maro Itoje said his side endured a difficult second half as they were beaten by Ireland in the Six Nations but believes there are positives to build on
Caelan Doris will lead Ireland once again from the back row, while Cian Healy is set to become Ireland’s most capped player in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations should he come off the bench and surpass Brian O’Driscoll’s record of 65 Six Nations appearances.
Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe start in an unchanged Ireland back three, with Bundee Aki and Henshaw forming the midfield partnership, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast continue in the half-backs.
Up front, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham are in the front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the second row. O’Mahony is named at blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier at openside and captain Doris at number eight.
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Sky Sports’ Jack Wilkinson takes a look at the top five players that have staked their claim for the British and Irish Lions tour in the summer after their performances in the first round of the 2025 Six Nations
Scotland will announce their team later on Friday.
Ireland starting XV: 15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Rónan Kelleher, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. James Ryan, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O’Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (captain).
Replacements: 16. Dan Sheehan, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Thomas Clarkson, 19. Ryan Baird, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Garry Ringrose.
Can Scotland end losing streak against Ireland?
Scotland have lost their last 10 matches against Ireland and Rory Sutherland, who has won 38 caps in total, believes a victory on Sunday – for the first time since February 2017 – would serve as a huge boost to his side.
“It would be massive,” he said. “Ireland are a team we hold in very high regard. I think there is a little bit of added spice there because it’s them, we’ve fallen short against them, but we’ve got a lot of respect for them.
“It’s a Test we’re really looking forward to and I think it’s a Test we’ll be well prepared to win.”
Six Nations fixtures: Round Two
Saturday February 8
Italy vs Wales (2.15pm)
England vs France (4.45pm)
Who will win the Six Nations in 2025?
Sunday February 9
Scotland vs Ireland (3pm)
British & Irish Lions tour of Australia on Sky Sports
Sky Sports will exclusively show the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer, with all three Tests against the Wallabies and six warm-up matches to be shown exclusively live. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
