Brian O’Driscoll today welcomed the return of Gordon D’Arcy as one of Ireland’s most successful centre partnerships was reunited. Altering his line-up for the first time this year, Declan Kidney recalled D’Arcy as one of four changes for the clash with Scotland.

D’Arcy replaces Paddy Wallace where he will link-up with Leinster teammate O’Driscoll. It will be the 29-year-old’s first Ireland start since breaking his arm against Italy in last year’s Six Nations opener, and O’Driscoll praised his attitude during a troubled comeback from injury.

“I’ve played many times with Gordon at provincial and Test level,” said O’Driscoll. “Whenever a player comes in, you try to forge a partnership with him and we’ll try and pick up where we left off.

“It’s tough on Paddy because he’s played some good games but Gordon brings a different element and hopefully we’ll see that on Saturday. He’s worked hard to get back in after being injured for so long and has shown huge patience.

“A lot of the guys would have lost their head after hearing so much bad news. But he looked after himself and now it’s paid off, so all credit to him.”

Peter Stringer’s recall marked the latest twist in an epic 87-cap Test career that began in Edinburgh nine years ago and looked all but over during the 2007 World Cup.

Axed in response to Ireland’s dismal pool performances against Namibia and Georgia, he watched as Eoin Reddan, Isaac Boss and, most recently, Tomas O’Leary climbed above him in the pecking order.

But a lively substitute appearance in the 14-13 victory over England 10 days ago, when he raised the tempo of Ireland’s play, sees him back in favour — if only for one match.

“Peter is a slightly different player to Tomas,” said O’Driscoll. “Everyone knows he’s one of the better passes in world rugby so hopefully that delivery will be as good as we’re used to for the best part of 90 Tests.

“It’s important that players aren’t content with what skills they have, that they’re always trying to better themselves. Strings has worked hard on other parts of his game and it’s starting to show.”