Ireland captain Caelan Doris expects Calvin Nash to prove an able deputy once more after being drafted in to start Sunday’s Six Nations showdown with Scotland (kick-off 3pm) following the late withdrawal of Mack Hansen.
The 27-year-old Munster winger played all five Six Nations fixtures and two summer Tests last year when Hansen was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Nash was then an unused squad member for the autumn internationals as the Connacht winger returned to reclaim his starting place.
Having played no part in Ireland’s Six Nations opener against England last weekend, Nash was again left out of the initial 23 named for Sunday’s clash at Murrayfield. However, he will now earn his ninth cap after being added to the starting XV on the eve of the match, with Hansen withdrawn due to hamstring tightness.
Asked on Saturday if the late change had caused any disruption to Ireland’s preparations, Doris replied, “No, not at all.”
“We’re disappointed for Mack, obviously. He’s been an integral part of what we’ve been about over the last number of years, but there’s a lot of trust in Calvin and how he’s been when he’s been with us over the last number of years so I think it should be quite a seamless transition.
“Obviously it’s a disappointment for Mack but what an opportunity for Calvin at the same time.
“He’s class. I’ve known him for quite a while. We played together at 18s and then 20s as well. I’ve seen his quality the whole way but probably over the last two years in particular I think he’s kicked on with Munster and he took his opportunity incredibly well this time last year over in France.
“He’s trained really well over the last number of weeks so I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.”
Ireland have won all 10 meetings against Scotland since their last defeat in February 2017, but Doris dismissed any threat of complacency.
“I don’t think there’s any room for that given the respect we have for them,” he said. “You hear that outside noise about our record against them but that hasn’t been talked about in here.
“We’ve been preparing for a proper Test match and a proper test. We’ve seen what they’ve been about over the last number of years, in the autumn and last weekend (against Italy).
“Especially at home there’s that extra element too. Their attack is very dangerous. They obviously attack with quite a bit of width, a bit of flair in there as well.
“With the back three they have, you’ve seen some of the tries Duhan van der Merwe has scored, Darcy Graham as well is a massive threat and Blair Kinghorn too, so we’ll have our hands full.
“The way Finn Russell plays the game, head up, plays what’s in front of him. If there’s any sort of a disconnection there he’ll take it and has eyes in the backfield too. Their attack is very dangerous.”
Peter O’Mahony has been restored to Ireland’s starting XV after being left out of the 23 for the win over England. Doris said his fellow backrower has had “an added edge” in training ahead of his return to the battleground.
“He loves these games, he loves the Six Nations, he loves representing the nation,” said Doris. “He always adds something different, something a little bit special.
“He’s got 110 caps, 111 tomorrow, so a wealth of experience. He’s just a good fella to have around the camp. Last week he was great even though he wasn’t involved. There’s a bit of an added edge from him this week as well. He’s always someone I enjoy having alongside me in the backrow.”
Ireland (v Scotland): Hugo Keenan; Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Garry Ringrose.
