Scotland look to old reliables

Scotland have made four changes and two positional switches from the side which lost to Italy in Treviso last month for Saturday's opening Five Nations Championship clash with Ireland at Lansdowne Road. Newcastle scrum-half Gary Armstrong will take over the captaincy from Rob Wainwright. Wainwright does, however, retain his place at blind-side flanker.

The Scots, now under the Lions management team of Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer after Richie Dixon's resignation, have recalled the experienced Damian Cronin and Peter Walton to bolster the pack. But it is the decision to restore Craig Chalmers to out-half that illustrates the approach of the new backroom staff.

Chalmers will renew his partnership with Gary Armstrong at halfback, in a direct swop with Gregor Townsend, who returns to the centre alongside Alan Tait. There is a recall for Wasps wing Kenny Logan, who comes in on the left, with Craig Joiner switching to the right. Tony Stanger is the man to lose out in the reshuffle.

Up front, Newcastle prop George Graham, who has deputised for Nick Popplewell several times at club level this season, wins the loose-head berth from Bath's Davy Hilton. Doddie Weir enjoys a new second row partnership with the experienced Cronin, restored in place of Scott Murray who boasts only two caps. Adam Roxburgh, who won his second cap against Italy, drops to the bench in favour of the more streetwise Walton.