Hogg back to lead the Scots into battle against the Irish

Oliver Yew | 29.01.2014

Stuart Hogg has reclaimed his place in Scotland’s starting XV for their Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin.

The Glasgow Warriors star missed all three Autumn internationals through a wrist injury but he is fully fit to take his place in a back three alongside Sean Maitland and Sean Lamont.

Scott Johnson will be delighted to have the full-back, who was called up to last summer’s Lions tour after an impressive Six Nations campaign, back in his ranks as Scotland look for just their second win in Dublin in 10 years.

Johnson, whose side are 5/1 with Ladbrokes for victory at the Aviva Stadium, has named Alex Dunbar at centre ahead of Nick De Luca, while Tim Swinson is celebrating a new contract at Glasgow with his first Six Nations cap.

Ryan Wilson replaces Johnnie Beattie in the back row for his first tournament start against an Irish side who are 1/7 for a home victory.

Scotland finished an impressive third in last year’s tournament and they are 8/1 to repeat that feat with a top three finish this year.

Kelly Brown’s charges are 40/1 to lift the trophy and they are the same price to win the Triple Crown, but with trips to Ireland and Wales to come it might be best to avoid them on this occasion.

But Scotland do have the ability to cause an upset along the way and with England and France visitors to Murrayfield this year, the Scots will be keen to impress.

Johnson’s side also travel to Italy where they have enough quality to win so backing Scotland to win twice during the campaign at 5/2 could pay dividends.

Scotland team to face Ireland:

Forwards: Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) Kelly Brown (Saracens, capt) David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby)

Backs: Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) Duncan Taylor (Saracens) Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby)

Replacements: Pat MacArthur (Glasgow Warriors) Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby)Richie Gray (Castres) Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)Max Evans (Castres).

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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