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| - Jamison Gibson-Park has a chance to strengthen his claim to be Ireland's first-choice scrum-half after being picked ahead of the experienced Conor Murray for Sunday's Six Nations match with Scotland. The New Zealand-born Leinster half-back has started the previous two matches, the 15-13 defeat by France and the 48-10 thumping of Italy, with Murray struggling with a hamstring problem. Head coach Andy Farrell eulogised about Gibson-Park's performance against France, although he was at fault for their first try. "Conor's not played for five weeks and Jamison has been playing really well and deserves to start," Farrell said on Friday. "He is thriving in the role and brings tempo. Occasionally he is doing things off the cuff and is dynamic. He brings a great package." Gibson-Park will line up alongside captain Johnny Sexton, the fly-half winning his 98th cap for his country. South Africa-born CJ Stander reaches his own landmark with his 50th Test cap while his Munster team-mate Keith Earls returns to the starting line-up on the wing at the expense of Jordan Larmour. With weather conditions expected to be challenging, Earls's greater experience probably got him the nod ahead of the twinkle-toed Larmour. "Keith brings knowhow, his organisation of the backline and is certainly a leader in many regards," said Farrell. Earls is one of three changes to the starting line-up from the Azzurri victory, with hooker Rob Herring and Ireland's most capped prop Cian Healy also returning. Prop Dave Kilcoyne and hooker Ronan Kelleher drop to the bench. Ireland beat Scotland twice last year but Farrell's side will start as underdogs in Edinburgh against a team both Sexton and forwards coach Paul O'Connell rate highly. "They are a tough old side to beat," said Farrell. "It is always a fierce battle up there at Murrayfield and the Scots will be confident coming into the game. "They played pretty well against Wales and produced a special performance at Twickenham (they won there for the first time since 1983). "Gregor (Townsend) is a terrific coach so I know they will be brimming with confidence." Farrell bristled when asked whether the Irish had become predictable -- a claim that has come from within the Scottish camp. "They can say whatever they want, it is irrelevant to us," said Farrell. "We know how difficult it will be but our boys will be well up for putting on a top performance on Sunday." Scotland have not played since their narrow defeat to Wales on February 13 -- their match with France was postponed after a coronavirus outbreak in les Bleus' squad. Team (15-1) Hugo Keenan; Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; CJ Stander, Will Connors, Tadhg Beirne; James Ryan, Iain Henderson; Tadhg Furlong, Rob Herring, Cian Healy Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Billy Burns, Jordan Larmour Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG) pi/jw/iwd
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