Ex-Borders prop Sutherland to start for Scots in Dublin

Rory Sutherland in possession (archive image by Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE)

The former Gala and Hawick prop forward is first choice at loose head in Dublin for the game against Ireland, which opens Scotland’s account (live on ITV and STV, kick-off 4.45pm).

The Melrose-born player, who has three Scotland caps to his credit already, currently plays in the professional ranks with Edinburgh, and head coach Gregor Townsend has chosen him at a signficant time for the Scots.

They’ll be trying to make reparation after a disappointing World Cup quest in Japan in the summer and put behind them the off-field theatrics leading to Finn Russell’s departure from the squad.

Another ex-Hawick player - Stuart Hogg - is to captain the team, following Borderer Greig Laidlaw’s decision at Christmas to quit international rugby. Yet another former Greens favourite, Darcy Graham, is unfortunately set to miss the opening few games because of a knee injury.