Kidney: Ireland will give their all

The Irish have selected a largely second string XV, especially in the pack, with only a handful of bigger names starting at Murrayfield.

Rob Kearney, Tomas O'Leary and Jerry Flannery are returning from lengthy injury lay-offs and will be watched closely.

While Kidney is juggling the need to test out combinations and give certain players crucial game time, he insists beating Scotland remains the priority.

"When you play a Test match there's no holding back. You either go for it or you don't," he said.

"If you operate at only 80 or 90% you actually increase your chances of picking up a knock.

"It's a Test match and that's the way we're approaching it - we want to go out there and get a win

"First and foremost every time you wear the green jersey you want to win the game.

"That's why we have a good, experienced team with just one new cap in it.

"We also want to try new combinations and from there get our base level right to see where we are come Saturday."

Kearney has not played since last year's autumn Test against New Zealand when he sustained a knee injury.

"Rob will be judged by a certain standard and there will be comments that he hasn't played for a while," said Kidney.

"All we ask is that he gives everything. He'll work through it and whether he has a storming or game or a not so good one, it's just one game.

"When you're out injured for a long time, you just want to be able to get back on the pitch.

"If you can do that in a Test it's a bit daunting, but also an added bonus."

O'Leary made his last Ireland appearance against France in February before also being ruled out for the remainder of the season with an eye problem.

Flannery's long battle with a calf injury that forced him to miss the autumn and RBS 6 Nations looks over after the Munster hooker was named on the bench.