Farrell backs Ireland combos to defend title

Andy Farrell has kept faith with the Ireland starting XV from the defeat to England hoping they redeem themselves by beating Scotland on Saturday to secure back-to-back Six Nations titles.

Farrell admitted the Irish could have no complaints their 11 match Six Nations winning run and hopes of historic back to back Grand Slams had been ended as they had been beaten by the better team.

Nevertheless their three previous victories had been so dominant Farrell believes they deserve another chance and gain their reward in emulating his predecessor Joe Schmidt, in 2014/15, with successive titles.

The only changes to the matchday 23 comes on the replacements bench with Farrell opting for a 5/3 forwards-backs split.

Ireland suffered from having only two backs — and one scrum-half in Conor Murray — on the bench against England with both Calvin Nash and Ciaran Frawley going off with head knocks.

Nash has been passed fit and starts but Frawley drops out altogether, with his Leinster teammates, flyhalf Harry Byrne and centre Garry Ringrose, called up to be the replacements.

For Ringrose it is his first appearance in the 23 in this year’s tournament as the first choice centre during the run to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals has been laid low with a shoulder issue.

Not many people will give the Scots a chance against Farrell’s side and ending a run of nine successive defeats at the hands of the Irish.

Ireland are also bidding for their 19th successive home win. Gregor Townsend’s side have not won in Dublin since 2010 when the Irish were still at their temporary home of Croke Park.