Ireland’s O’Mahony returns for Scotland game

Men’s Six Nations: Scotland v Ireland

Date: Sunday, 9 February Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Kick-off: 15: 00 GMT

For Sunday’s Six Nations game against Scotland at Murrayfield, Peter O’Mahony has been called back to the Ireland squad.

The Munster flanker, who interim head coach Simon Easterby chose for his first start since last summer’s South Africa tour, was not selected for the matchday squad for last week’s win over England.

As Easterby makes two changes, Robbie Henshaw takes over for Garry Ringrose at outside center while Wing Mack Hansen and tight-head prop Finlay Bealham have been upgraded to fit for the starting position.

In his first away test, Sam Prendergast is given the nod at fly-half, with Jack Crowley serving off the bench.

Despite impressive off-the-ball displays against England, back rowers Jack Conan and Dan Sheehan are still available in place.

O’Mahony’s inclusion in this game, according to Easterby, was a decision “we have been considering for a couple of weeks.”

Before Caelan Doris assumed the role of skipper before the autumn Tests, O’Mahony led Ireland to the Six Nations title last year.

The 35-year-old, who had a hamstring problem before the Irish campaign, did not play any of their November games. He now makes a comeback to replace Ryan Baird in the back row.

“He has that ability, doesn’t he, to play big when it’s needed”, added Easterby.

He brought a lot of competition to the group as they were starting during training last week when he wasn’t in the group. He was disappointed that England didn’t select him in the 15 or 23.

” I think what he does do when he plays against sides like Scotland is he plays right on the edge, he’s confrontational.

Tadhg Furlong is still ruled out due to injury, so Bealham’s availability is a plus for Easterby.

Despite a powerful off-the-the-fly display against England that resulted in his ninth Six Nations try, Easterby has also chosen to reserve him.

Sheehan, who had been out for six months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, helped Ireland defeat England, along with Conan, who had caught the eye in his first international since the Six Nations last year.

If Cian Healy makes his 66th appearance, he will surpass former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll as the nation’s most-capped player in the men’s Six Nations.

Iain Henderson, a replacement second row against England, drops out of the squad.