Gregor Townsend has named his starting line-up for Saturday’s crucial Rugby World Cup 2023 fixture against Ireland at Stade de France, Paris.

Blair Kinghorn will win a 50th Scotland cap as one of 12 changes to the side.

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The full-back lines up as part of a back-three containing wingers Darcy Graham – who bagged four tries in last week’s win against Romania – and Duhan van der Merwe.

Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones resume a familiar starting centre partnership which has enjoyed nine outings in 2023.

As part of a half-back pairing that will combine to pass 140 caps on Saturday, scrum-half Ali Price gets the nod to partner stand-off Finn Russell, a vice-captain.

Loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman and tighthead Zander Fagerson return to the front row alongside hooker George Turner.

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Grant Gilchrist, who led Scotland in their previous match against Romania, is joined in an experienced second row by Richie Gray, with openside flanker Rory Darge and number 8 Jack Dempsey featuring in a back row completed by returning captain Jamie Ritchie at blindside.

The replacements comprise backline options George Horne and Ollie Smith, as Townsend opts for a six-strong forwards bench bolstered by front row reinforcements Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland and WP Nel, as well as Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson and Luke Crosbie.

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After wins over Tonga and Romania, victory in Pool B’s final match, against Ireland, could see Scotland reach the quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup 2023.