Scotland vs Ireland Six Nations 2025 Preview and Prediction
Scotland welcome Ireland in a round two clash pivotal to both sides title aspirations come March. Both sides claimed bonus point wins in round one, overcoming Italy and England, with Scots looking to finish in top two for the first time in 6 Nations history.
Ireland looking to become the first team in competition history to win three tournaments in a row, however interim head coach Simon Easterby is in charge as Andy Farrell is away with Lions duty.
Scotland have lost their last 3 tournament games played on a Sunday, 2 being against Ireland. Defeat would leave arguably the best Scotland side in the last 20 years on the verge of having no silverware to show for it with trips to England and France still to come.
Could this year be Scotland's year?
A 6 Nations tale as old as time, Scotland full of promise, full of optimism, but so far short of a title. Scottish optimism took a huge hit pre-tournament as Sione Tuipulotu was ruled out after he suffered an injury in training.
However, Gregor Townsends men recovered to beat Italy 31-19 in round one with a hattrick from center Huw Jones. Scotland looked as exciting in attack as they always do whilst a Steve Tandy led defense was rarely troubled.
However, the Scots record against Ireland is an unwanted one, having won none of the last ten and just one in 15.
Ireland head into the second phase of three consecutive championships after winning the grand slam in 2023 and beating England last week overcoming a half-time deficit to win 27-22.
Interim coach Simon Easterby led Ireland to a bonus point win over Steve Borthwick's side with a 6 Nations debut for Leinster fly half Sam Prendergast. Prendergast will head to Edinburgh to face off against Scotland co-captain Finn Russell in a possible lions showdown for the 10 jersey.
Selection information
Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy are both still out. Peter O’Mahoney also missed round one but starts at blindside this weekend. Scotland go for a 6-2 split, with Perpignan bound Jamie Ritchie on the bench. Tom Jordan starts at 12.
Scotland
1) Rory Sutherland, 2) Dave Cherry, 3) Zander Fagerson, 4) Johnny Gray, 5) Grant Gilchrist, 6) Matt Fagerson, 7) Rory Darge (Co-Captain), 8) Jack Dempsey, 9) Ben White, 10)Fin Russell (Co-Captain), 11)Duhan Van Der Merwe, 12)Tom Jordan, 13)Huw Jones, 14) Darcy Graham, 15)Blair Kinghorn
16) Ewan Ashman, 17) Pierre Schoeman,18) Will Hurd, 19) Sam Skinner,20) Gregor Brown,21) Jamie Ritchie,22) Jamie Dobie,23) Stafford Mcdowell
Ireland
1) Andrew Porter, 2) Ronan Kelleher,3) Finlay Bealham,4) James Ryan,5) Tadgh Beirne, 6) Peter O’Mahoney,7) Josh Van Der Flier, 8) Caelen Dorris (Captain),9) Jamison Gibson-Park,10) Sam Prendergast,11) James Lowe,12) Bundee Aki,13) Robbie Henshaw,14) Mack Hansen,15) Hugo Keenan
16) Dan Sheehan,17) Cian Healy,18) Thomas Clarkson,19) Ryan Baird, 20) Jack Conan,21) Conor Murray, 22) Jack Cowley, 23) Gary Ringrose
Players to watch
Scotland – Blaire Kinghorn
England's kicking game worked well in the first half, nullifying Ireland, playing a territorial game and is Scotland are to do the same, Toulouse full-back Kinghorn will have a huge part to play. His rangy running and huge boot pose a threat to any backline.
Ireland – Sam Prendergast
21-year-old Prendergast faces his first away start in the 6 Nations. With Jack Crowley impressive off the bench last time out, the outside half will want to put his stamp on this Irish attack with ball in hand. His kicking at goal and battle with Russell will also be imperative were Ireland to come away with the win.
Prediction – Scots to end unwanted record?
Townsends men have an awful record against the Irish, however now could be an opportune time to capitalize on Andy Farrell’s absence, and England gave a blueprint of how to do this in round one. The kicking battle will be key on Sunday.
Scotland 22-24 Ireland.
Where to watch
Coverage on BBC One starting from 2.20pm.