Cian Healy will make his first start of the Six Nations when Ireland face Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday.
The British and Irish Lions prop missed the start of the tournament through injury, and has been eased back into action, featuring three times from the bench. However, he will replace Jack McGrath for Saturday's crunch clash at Murrayfield, as Ireland look to defend the title they won in France last year.
The only other change from the side that went down to Wales in Cardiff comes among the backs, where Luke Fitzgerald replaces Simon Zebo on the left wing.
Ireland currently trail England on points difference heading into the final round of matches, and will be looking to pile on the pressure with a big victory over the winless Scots.
Ireland – 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Paul O’Connell (c), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Subs: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Felix Jones.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
