Skipper happy to have D'Arcy back

Brian O'Driscoll today welcomed the return of Gordon D'Arcy as one of Ireland's most successful centre partnerships was reunited.

Altering his line-up for the first time in this year's RBS 6 Nations, head coach Declan Kidney recalled D'Arcy as one of four changes for Saturday's clash with Scotland.

Veteran scrum-half Peter Stringer, Ulster hooker Rory Best and Denis Leamy of Munster have also been promoted, with Tomas O'Leary, Jerry Flannery and Jamie Heaslip dropping to the bench.

D'Arcy replaces Paddy Wallace, another who must settle for a place among the substitutes, at inside centre, where he will link-up with Leinster and Lions colleague O'Driscoll.

It will be the 29-year-old's first Ireland start since breaking his arm against Italy in last year's Six Nations opener, and O'Driscoll praised his attitude during a troubled comeback from injury.

‘I've played many times with Gordon at provincial and Test level,’ said O'Driscoll.

‘Whenever a player comes in, you try to forge a partnership with him and we'll try and pick up where we left off.

‘It's tough on Paddy because he's played some good games but Gordon brings a different element and hopefully we'll see that on Saturday.

‘He's worked hard to get back in after being injured for so long and has shown huge patience.

‘A lot of the guys would have lost their head after hearing so much bad news.

‘But he looked after himself and now it's paid off, so all credit to him.’

Stringer's recall marked the latest twist in an epic 87-cap Test career that began in Edinburgh nine years ago and looked all but over during the 2007 World Cup.

Axed in response to Ireland's dismal pool performances against Namibia and Georgia, he watched as Eoin Reddan, Isaac Boss and, most recently, Tomas O'Leary climbed above him in the pecking order.

But a lively substitute appearance in the 14-13 victory over England 10 days ago, when he raised the tempo of Ireland's play, sees him back in favour - if only for one match.

‘Peter is a slightly different player to Tomas,’ said O'Driscoll.

‘Everyone knows he's one of the better passes in world rugby so hopefully that delivery will be as good as we're used to for the best part of 90 Tests.

‘It's important that players aren't content with what skills they have, that they're always trying to better themselves.

‘Strings has worked hard on other parts of his game and it's starting to show.’

Kidney danced around his explanation for freshening up his Grand Slam-chasing side, denying it was a snub to Scotland or with one eye on a potential title decider in Cardiff.

But the former Munster coach is sure to revert to the XV that has swept Ireland to within two victories of a first Grand Slam since 1948 against Wales.

‘We have four guys who have been training really well and done well in the Magners League matches they've played,’ said Kidney.

‘There's no problem in playing the four of them. The problem comes in who to leave out. They've done nothing wrong.

‘We feel it's important some fellas get a chance. They'll bring their own chemistry to the team.

‘They also have a wealth of experience. When you play Scotland at Murrayfield you need every ounce of that.’

Munster prop John Hayes will make his 93rd appearance on Saturday, edging him past Malcolm O'Kelly as Ireland's most capped player.