Parks returns to face Ireland

Outhalf Phil Godman has paid the price for Scotland's extraordinary early mauling at the hands of Italy and will be replaced …

Outhalf Phil Godman has paid the price for Scotland's extraordinary early mauling at the hands of Italy and will be replaced by the more experienced Dan Parks for Ireland's Six Nations visit to Edinburgh on Saturday.

Godman is the only player axed from the team beaten 37-17 by Italy in Edinburgh on February 24th.

Secondrow forward Scott Murray will win an 83rd cap, surpassing Gregor Townsend's Scotland record.

Parks, 28, started the Six Nations campaign as Scotland's number 10 with a defeat to England at Twickenham.  He was replaced by the 24-year-old Godman for the 21-9 win over Wales.

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Having fared well against Wales, Godman then made a costly error in the opening minute to gift Italy the first of their three early tries last month.

Glasgow Warriors man Parks will win his 29th cap.

Rory Lamont is chosen on the bench in place of Nikki Walker.

Head coach Frank Hadden said: "We've chosen Dan at stand-off as we feel he has the right qualities for this game. Rory Lamont has been preferred on the bench as he provides greater cover."

Scotland's shock defeat to Italy has left them in danger of finishing the season with the wooden spoon, whereas Ireland are chasing the Triple Crown and maybe the championship.

Speaking on the game today Hadden said: "We firmly believe we are capable of upsetting the form book and beating a very good Irish side.

"Nobody would enjoy that scenario more than Scott Murray who will set a new Scottish cap record on Saturday."

Ireland are unchanged for the game after notching up a record 43-13 scoreline against England in Croke Park almost two weeks ago.

Scotland (v Ireland):H Southwell (Edinburgh); S Lamont (Northampton), M Di Rollo (Edinburgh), R Dewey (Edinburgh), C Paterson (Edinburgh, captain); D Parks (Glasgow Warriors), C Cusiter (Border Reivers); G Kerr (Borders), D Hall (Edinburgh), E Murray  (Glasgow Warriors), N Hines (Perpignan), S Murray (Edinburgh), S Taylor  (Edinburgh), D Callam (Edinburgh), K Brown (Borders).

Replacements:R Ford (Borders), A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), J Hamilton (Leicester), A Hogg (Edinburgh), R Lawson (Gloucester), A Henderson (Glasgow Warriors), R Lamont (Glasgow Warriors).