Round 2.

Head coach Joe Schmidt today named his Ireland team for this weekend’s crucial Six Nations clash with Scotland at BT Murrayfield, making now fewer than five changes to the team that lost to England in the opening round.

The men in green will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways immediately, as they look to stay in the hunt to defend their title. A Grand Slam is no longer a possibility, but the championship is far from over.

Here are five talking points following Schmidt’s selection for this weekend.

Kearney back at fullback.
The veteran international was a surprise omission last weekend with Schmidt hinting he was fit and available. Whether or not this was enforced by Henshaw’s performance at fifteen we’ll never know with Garry Ringrose and the 25-year-old both ruled out. Kearney should bring some much needed stability to Ireland’s back-three who were hugely exposed against England.

Chris Farrell at 13.
An enforced but exciting selection decision. Farrell was incredible when called up against Wales last year and offers something different to Ireland’s other centre options. A huge outside centre with very soft hands and a beautiful range in his pass. He will be a threat.

Quinn Roux’s big chance.
The Connacht lock wasn’t even named in the original squad, but now finds himself starting against Scotland. Schmidt has also revealed the Roux will be calling the lineouts this weekend with the help of Peter O’Mahony. A big ask for the South African.

O’Brien for van der Flier.
Perhaps a little harsh on VDF who’s been in good form, but Schmidt clearly wants to get Sean O’Brien back fit and in-form. And you can’t blame him. O’Brien at his best is nothing short of world class. A big game for the Tullow man this weekend, who will be hoping he can at least get through the match unscathed on the injury front.

Conan in at eight.
A lot of Leinster fans would tell you Conan should be starting at eight ahead of Stander, perhaps through their blue tinted glasses. But now’s his chance to step up against show his worth. A huge game for him. With the World Cup only around the corner this will be one of the few chances fringe players like Conan will get a chance to stake a claim.