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Sheehan and van der Flier recalled for Triple Crown decider with Scots / Photo: ALAIN JOCARD - AFP
Sheehan and van der Flier recalled for Triple Crown decider with Scots
Ireland coach Andy Farrell has recalled stalwarts Dan Sheehan and Josh van der Flier to the starting XV for the Six Nations Triple Crown decider with Scotland on Saturday.
Both sides also entertain hopes of winning the title, with Ireland trailing the Scots and table-topping France, who host out-of-form England, by two points going into the final round of matches.
Hooker Sheehan sat out last Friday's 27-17 win over Wales, whilst van der Flier came on as a replacement -- he will form an all Leinster back row with captain Caelan Doris and Jack Conan, who was man-of-the-match last weekend.
There is also a return for wing Tommy O'Brien, who was rested for the Wales game after an impressive turn in the 42-21 humbling of England.
He replaces Jacob Stockdale, despite the latter scoring a try and creating another against the Welsh.
However, O'Brien combined brilliantly with the other wing Robert Baloucoune against England.
O'Brien's Leinster teammate Joe McCarthy also starts after being a replacement against Wales, coming into the second row as James Ryan has a calf injury.
There is also a recall for Irish rugby icon Bundee Aki, who is on the replacements bench.
The 35-year-old New Zealand-born centre was suspended for the first three matches but has been back training with the squad since the lead-up to the Wales game.
Farrell is anticipating quite a contest as they battle it out, at least, for the Triple Crown -- a prize awarded to one of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales if they defeat the other three in a single Championship season.
"It is an incredible privilege for the squad to play at home in front of a packed stadium with a trophy up for grabs," the 50-year-old Englishman said in an Irish Rugby statement.
"We know about the challenge facing us on Saturday and Scotland will travel with confidence.
"You'll see two teams who like to attack and we'll look to implement our game plan to get the performance that we want.
"When you factor in a loud home support, and with the game taking place on St Patrick's weekend, it really has all the ingredients for a cracking contest."
The Scots arrive with a spring in their heels following an astonishing 50-40 win over the French.
However, the Irish have won their last 11 meetings and Scotland's last win in Dublin came back in 2010 prior to Ireland's return to the renovated Lansdowne Road.
Team (15-1)
Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O'Brien; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan; Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Tom O'Toole
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, Bundee Aki.
Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)
C.Albano--INP
