Gordon D'Arcy will return to Ireland's starting XV against Scotland as one of four changes at Murrayfield.

Tinkering with his line-up for the first time in this season's Six Nations, head coach Declan Kidney has recalled D'Arcy in place of Paddy Wallace at inside centre for his first start since breaking his arm a year ago.

Scrum-half Peter Stringer wins the No9 jersey from Tomas O'Leary. Kidney has also made two changes up front, with Rory Best displacing Jerry Flannery at hooker and No8 Denis Leamy taking over from Jamie Heaslip.

Kidney said: “The four guys who have come in have been doing very well in training and have a done a good job whenever they've come on. The lads who are out have done nothing wrong.”

John Hayes will become Ireland's most-capped player when he makes his 93rd appearance. The Irish are seeking their first Grand Slam since 1948.

Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel will miss Saturday's clash with Italy due to a torn hamstring, he will be replaced by Mike Phillips.