Right that concludes our coverage of Scotland's team announcement before Saturday's huge game against Ireland in Dublin.

Remember there's live text coverage of the game right here on the BBC Sport website, as well as radio commentary on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Our BBC Northern Ireland colleagues will be back around 14:00 GMT to bring you the Ireland team announcement.

In the meantime, check out:

• The Scottish rugby page for more reaction & analysis
• The BBC's Rugby Union page for all the latest Six Nations news
• The BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast & Rugby Union Weekly podcast

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend also mentions what he hopes Magnus Bradbury can add from the bench.

"Magnus brings us that front-foot ball-carry," he said.

"He's physical in defence too. He won two jackals in the last game he played for Edinburgh, so he can compete post-tackle.

"We went for that 5-3 split and we feel 5-3 is right this week given we had a few injuries in the back end last week, and also the form of Kyle Rowe that we've been seeing in training.

"His last game for Glasgow was outstanding. I think Magnus just fits better for this weekend. Obviously, for Freddie [Douglas] and Josh [Bayliss], they're unlucky to miss out."

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend says lock Max Williamson is ready to bounce back after being substituted early in Cardiff and dropped from the squad last week against France.

“I think Max would have played well at the weekend," he said.

"Sometimes you don't get a second opportunity and it's great that he's going to get that opportunity in such a big game as well.

"Not everyone plays well and we made a couple of changes after 30-35 minutes [against Wales]. I'm sure Max would have grown into the game. That was a tough start for all of us as a team.

"The atmosphere in Cardiff that day really energised the Welsh team. The positive is that Max has had that experience. He knows what he needs to do. He'll be so determined to play his best rugby now in an away game, which he's already experienced this year."

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "The belief is there and when we get our game right and the elements of a game, it can put pressure on any defence.

"When we get our defence in place, we can frustrate opposition, we can get the ball back, but this is a different challenge. It'll be a different style of game than last week's.

"We're playing away from home which is a big challenge in itself and we're playing against a top quality side and over the past few years, Ireland have played well against us. We've not always played well. Sometimes we have.

"We're expecting a real physical challenge. They're a top side. Their performance against England was one of the standout performances of this year's Championship and if they deliver that, which we're expecting them to do, we're going to have to be be very, very good to win."

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "That performance [against France] was close to the best that we've seen from this group and from probably any Scotland team.

"The expectations might be there to repeat that performance but what we want to see from it is are they physically ready? They're fresh.

"We've seen them at training this week. We've done some contact work yesterday. They're up for that challenge.

"Then you just have to work out what game needs to be delivered. It'll be a different game than last week. You've got to adapt, stick together for that 80 minutes and give it everything."

Scotland head Gregor Townsend was asked about playing for the Six Nations title on Saturday.

“We've not talked about that," he said.

"It's really another opportunity to play. The final opportunity for this group to go out and play.

"You can see that they're loving playing together. We see it in training. The togetherness is in that group. This is just our final chance to do that before they go back to their clubs.”

Right, let's hear from the Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend...

Kyle Steyn said after the win over France a gash on his leg was never going to keep him out of the Ireland game.

Just as well for Scotland - he has been immense. Dominant in the air, scoring tries, and generally making gains.

The winger has beaten more defenders than any other player in the Six Nations, and gained most metres per carry.

If he turns in another stellar display in Dublin, he has got to be in the running to be named as the best player of the 2026 Six Nations.

Image source, SNS

Is that the Scotland team to break a run of 11 consecutive losses against Ireland?

If they manage it, it will be a first Triple Crown since 1990 and the first time ever winning four games in a Six Nations campaign.

Then it would be over to France...

Image source, BBC Sport

Replacements: 16. Ewan Ashman, 17. Rory Sutherland, 18. Darcy Rae, 19. Alex Craig, 20. Magnus Bradbury, 21. George Horne, 22. Kyle Rowe, 23. Tom Jordan.

Stevie: Why do they name the team a couple of days before the game? Is it a rule to do so? In football the team line-up gets announced 1 hour before kick-off.

Good question, Stevie. It is one of the oddity's of rugby union. Yes, it is in the rules of the Six Nations that line-ups must be announced at least 48 hours before a game.

Teams can do it even earlier, and some do. England have been announcing their line-ups for a Saturday game on Tuesday.

Gregor Townsend is answering questions on his team selection at the moment.

We will bring you his thoughts right here as soon as we can.

Archie: Given the numerous injuries within the Forwards, Townsend is still able to field a strong pack, although there must be worries about the locks. You can see the Irish targeting the forwards and keeping the play narrow. Scary, and proven Scottish back line.

David: With the wee niggling doubts about Dempsey, Steyn and Jones I think there is logic in the 5-3 split. There are direct replacements on the bench if any of them can't play 80 because their niggles play up - Bradbury, Rowe and Jordan. Good move.

Adam: Second row is the obvious concern. If we struggle at the set piece then Ireland will win. I like the look of the bench, cmon lads!

Those who do not necessarily follow club rugby every single week might not know too much about second row replacement Alex Craig.

The 6ft 5 ins lock is from Dumfries and made his breakthrough at Gloucester before moving to Scarlets in Wales.

He thrived in Llanelli, topping a lot of tackle charts, and was named the club's Players' Player of the Season in 2024.

Returning back up the road to Scotstoun he has helped Glasgow to a fine campaign so far.

He made his Scotland debut back in 2021 against Italy and played against France in that same Six Nations campaign.

The 28-year-old has made only four appearances for his country since, mainly against Tier Two opposition on summer tours and in November internationals.

It will be a big moment for him when he comes off the bench in Dublin on Saturday.

Image source, SNS

Ian: Josh Bayliss very unlucky to miss out, but Bradbury has looked strong for Edinburgh. Wonder if Rowe coming in is covering the potential of Steyn's injury causing an issue.

Bob: Pleased enough with that team. Different challenge from France, think it will be more of a forward battle. Bayliss will be disappointed but Craig and Bradbury offer more grunt. Kyle Rowe certainly deserves his spot on the bench.

Our BBC Northern Ireland colleagues will be all over that Ireland team announcement at 14:00.

It will follow our coverage of Scotland on this page!

Tom English
BBC Scotland chief sports writer

Ireland will announce their team this afternoon. My Irish moles tell me that Tommy O'Brien is likely to come in for Jacob Stockdale on the wing.

Dan Sheehan is pushing to reclaim the hooker spot from Ronan Kelleher.

Joe McCarthy is likely to come back into the second-row. Tadhg Beirne should move to the back-row in that event.

If that pans out then the team that starts against Scotland will be the same as the outfit that battered England at Twickenham.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland

What a week it's been for Grant Gilchrist.

His daughter, Maggie, was born in the days leading up to the France game, when the big lock came off the bench to play his part in one of Scotland's greatest ever wins.

Now he's back in from the start to face Ireland and win his 88th cap, which will see him surpass Scott Murray as Scotland's most-capped lock.

With the blow of losing both Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown to injury, Gilchrist's experience will be vital in Dublin, especially alongside Max Williamson, a fine player but one who has been struggling for form in this championship.

Garry: Wonder if Bayliss is paying for his penalty that arguably cost Scotland two tries on Saturday? Cynical and completely unnecessary - exactly the sort of indiscipline that cannot be tolerated. Very pleased to see Bradbury and Rowe involved - both well deserved.

Paco: Big mistake in not having Bayliss. And surely 6-2 is required against Ireland? This will be a physicality contest first and foremost and without Cummings the forwards need every bit of help they can get.

If I had to guess, Josh Bayliss' omission is purely tactical. Remember last year against Ireland when Scotland went 6-2 on the bench and Finn Russell and Darcy Graham were forced off after 20 minutes?

If it's a physical game you might want power on the bench, but it also may take its toll with injuries!

Share your views.

Magnus Bradbury's last Six Nations appearance was in 2022 in a victory over Italy.

His star has risen and fallen a lot over his career, but no doubt if he is up for it he could do some damage for Scotland as Andy says.

Don't let that smile deceive you...

Image source, SNS