Ireland vs Scotland team news: Conor Murray beats John Cooney to start in Andy Farrell’s first Six Nations squad

In-form Ulster half-back has to make do with a place among the replacements while rookies Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher are poised to make their debut

Conor Murray will start Ireland's opening Six Nations match against Scotland (PA)

Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray has been selected ahead of John Cooney for the Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland, while Caelan Doris will make his international debut.

The choice between the experience of Murray and the outstanding form of Cooney was the biggest call facing new head coach Andy Farrell.

Farrell has opted to show faith in 78-cap Munster player Murray, with 29-year-old Cooney among the replacements, despite a series of fine displays for Ulster.

Uncapped Doris, a former Ireland Under-20s captain, has been rewarded with a start at number 8.

His Leinster team-mate Ronan Kelleher, who has not played since fracturing a hand on December 7, is named among the replacements, with Rob Herring starting at hooker in place of retired former captain Rory Best.

New skipper Johnny Sexton will lead Ireland into the Farrell era in Dublin on Saturday, starting at fly-half after overcoming a knee problem suffered in December.

Ireland team vs Scotland:

Jordan Larmour; Andrew Conway, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rob Herring, Tadhg Furlong; Iain Henderson, James Ryan; CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Devin Toner, Peter O’Mahony, John Cooney, Ross Byrne, Robbie Henshaw.