Ryan ruled out as Ireland make four changes

Ireland lock James Ryan has been ruled out as head coach Andy Farrell makes four changes for Saturday’s Six Nations Triple Crown decider against Scotland in Dublin.

Ryan started Ireland’s wins over Italy, England and Wales, but he was not considered for selection to face the Scots because of a calf injury.

Joe McCarthy returns to the line-up to partner Tadhg Beirne in the second row, with Darragh Murray set to make his Six Nations debut off the bench.

Hooker Dan Sheehan and flanker Josh van der Flier also return to the pack as Ronan Kelleher and Nick Timoney drop to the bench.

Tommy O’Brien is named on the left wing in Farrell’s only backline change.

O’Brien impressed after replacing the injured James Lowe on the left wing in Ireland’s thumping win over England, but Jacob Stockdale was preferred for last week’s defeat of Wales.

While Stockdale marked his return by scoring Ireland’s opening try, Farrell has restored Leinster’s O’Brien, who can also cover the right wing.

Ireland must beat Scotland (14:10 GMT) to keep their title hopes alive before leaders France face England in Paris (20:10) in the final match of this year’s tournament.

Scotland, who are chasing a first championship since 1999, have made three changes for the visit to Aviva Stadium as Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new-look second row and Zander Fagerson returns at tight-head prop.

Victory would also seal Ireland’s fourth Triple Crown in five years and deny Scotland their first since 1990.

Asked about a potential title win on Saturday, Farrell said: “Of course you would like to dream like that, but the rest is out of our hands.

“But something is in our hands and we will focus on our performance, first and foremost. It would be nice to win something that is pretty special for us and that’s the Triple Crown.

“It’s been hard to come by over the years when playing for Ireland, so we’re desperate to get across that.”

Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O’Brien; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O’Toole, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Beirne, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Murray, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, Aki.

Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.

Ryan’s absence is a blow for Farrell with the experienced second row having impressed in recent weeks.

“We tried to get him going, we trained on Tuesday but he didn’t even get to start so that was that,” Farrell said when asked about Ryan.

“The rest of the squad have trained fully. It’s disappointing for James and for us because he has been in unbelievable for in the Six Nations, and any team would miss a player like James.”

While Ulster captain Iain Henderson has been called up, Farrell has placed his faith in 24-year-old Connacht player Murray, who made his Test debut in Ireland’s summer tour to Georgia and Portugal last year.

The return of Sheehan and Van der Flier – who both started the thumping 42-21 win over England at Twickenham three weeks ago – also ensures the Irish pack is not short of experience.

With Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, Jack Boyle and Jeremy Loughman all sidelined, Farrell has stuck with O’Toole at loose-head prop.

O’Toole has played most of his career as a tight-head but started in the number one jersey against Wales. Michael Milne will provide loose-head cover on the bench.

Tadhg Furlong, who endured a frustrating night against the Welsh scrum last week, is retained at tight-head with the experienced Finlay Bealham on the bench.

Alongside O’Brien in the back three are full-back Jamie Osborne, who has scored three tries in this year’s tournament, and in-form right winger Rob Baloucoune

Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey start together in midfield for the fifth game running while Jack Crowley and Jamison Gibson-Park continue their half-back partnership.

Farrell has opted for a five-three split of forwards and backs on the bench for the third game in a row.

Craig Casey has edged out last week’s debutant Nathan Doak as scrum-half cover while utility back Ciaran Frawley is retained among the replacements.

Centre Bundee Aki is poised to make his first appearance of the tournament after returning from suspension.

Aki was available for the Wales game but did not make the matchday squad.

Scotland will arrive in Dublin buoyed by their stunning 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield last weekend.

However, Ireland have won the past 11 meetings since Scotland’s last victory in 2017, while the Scots’ most recent success in Dublin came at Croke Park in 2010.

Ireland will guarantee the title if they secure a bonus-point win over Scotland and England overcome France.

An Ireland victory without a bonus point will be enough if France lose and only earn one bonus point.

A draw or defeat by Scotland would end Ireland’s title challenge.

If Scotland beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (14:10 GMT kick-off), and England shock France at the Stade de France, the title will be theirs.

A Scotland bonus-point win and a regulation four-point victory for France would also be enough for a first Six Nations title.

A draw would be enough if France lose without collecting two bonus points.

Defeat by Ireland would rule Scotland out of the title race.