Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named a team which shows five changes of personnel and one further positional switch in Saturday's World Cup warm-up Test against Ireland at Murrayfield.

Robinson has recast the team that ended the Six Nations Championship with victory over Italy as he seeks to finalise his squad of 30 for the World Cup in New Zealand next month.

Robinson declared: "In any international match there is always a huge amount at stake, but the EMC Tests take on extra significance this year as we hone our preparations for the start of the world's third biggest sporting event.

"I am a firm believer that competition brings the best out in players and I've said to the squad that it lies in their hands to make the case for their inclusion in the final 30 for New Zealand," he added.

The alterations from the last Murrayfield international in March see Graeme Morrison return in midfield having missed the Six Nations through a knee injury, thus Sean Lamont reverts to the wing to the exclusion of Simon Danielli.

In the forward pack, there is a first start at openside flank for 25-year-old Ross Rennie, whose six caps thus far have been off the bench and whom Robinson has admired and nurtured since his sojourn as Edinburgh coach. 

Johnnie Beattie is given the chance to demonstrate his shoulder woes are behind him at No.8; Alasdair Strokosch comes in at blindside flanker; and Jim Hamilton will start at lock. The four forwards replace John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Nathan Hines and Alastair Kellock respectively.

Lawson, who captained Scotland to victories over reigning world champions South Africa and Samoa at Murrayfield and Pittodrie respectively last November will be supported by new vice-captain Ross Ford who will be winning his 49th cap.

On the bench Robinson has listed two uncapped players, 21-year-old Edinburgh loose forward David Denton, who has already represented both Scotland Sevens and Scotland A; and 23-year-old  Bath fullback Jack Cuthbert, who has also won promotion from Scotland A.

Scotland: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Nikki Walker, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Rory Lawson (captain), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Richie Gray, 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Alastair Kellock, 19 David Denton, 20 Greig Laidlaw, 21 Nick De Luca, 22 Jack Cuthbert.

Date: Saturday, August 6
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 14.15 (14.15 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Dave Pearson (England), Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Graham Warren (England)