Scotland co-captain Rory Darge backed his Glasgow team-mate Tom Jordan to continue his “whirlwind” journey by taking his first Six Nations start in his stride against Ireland on Sunday. The 26-year-old back will wear the number 12 jersey usually reserved for injured centre and national team captain Sione Tuipulotu after a strong display as a second-half replacement for Stafford McDowall in last weekend’s 31-19 win over Italy.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has selected Tom Jordan to start at centre for their Six Nations match against Ireland in Edinburgh on Sunday.

Ireland has taken a huge step to an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title by securing a bonus-point 32-18 win at Scotland, which lost two key players in the first half to a nasty clash of heads at Murrayfield.