Aussie Hansen to miss Ireland rugby clash with Scotland

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Aussie Hansen to miss Ireland rugby clash with Scotland

Ireland captain Caelan Doris says his Six Nations-winning team have been left disappointed for Mack Hansen after their *********** winger was forced to drop out of the starting XV on the eve of Sunday’s Six Nations clash against Scotland.

But he expects Calvin Nash to prove an able deputy once more after being drafted in from the cold to start the Edinbugh clash.

The 27-year-old Nash stepped up to play all five of last year’s Six Nations matches and two summer Tests against South Africa as Connacht flyer Hansen was also sidelined for the first half of last year with a shoulder injury.

Nash was then an unused member of the squad for the four-match autumn series as Hansen returned to reclaim his starting place and after playing no part in the Six Nations opener against England last weekend, the Munster wing was again left out of the initial 23 named for Sunday’s clash at Murrayfield.

But Nash will now earn his ninth cap after being added to the starting XV with Hansen forced to withdraw due to hamstring tightness.

“No, not at all,” skipper Doris said on Saturday when asked if the late change caused any disruption to Ireland’s preparations.

“We’re disappointed for Mack, obviously. He’s been an integral part of what we’ve been about over the last number of years.

“But there’s a lot of trust in Calvin and how he’s been when he’s been with us over the last number of years so I think it should be quite a seamless transition. Obviously it’s a disappointment for Mack but what an opportunity for Calvin at the same time.

“He’s class. I’ve known him for quite a while. We played together at 18s and then 20s as well. I’ve seen his quality the whole way but probably over the last two years in particular I think he’s kicked on with Munster and he took his opportunity incredibly well this time last year over in France.

“He’s trained really well over the last number of weeks so I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.”

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