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Scotland replace Godman with Parks

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EDINBURGH, Scotland -- Scotland have dropped Phil Godman and replaced him with Dan Parks to play Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations international at Murrayfield.

Flyhalf Godman is the only player axed from the team beaten 37-17 by Italy in Edinburgh on February 24.

Parks, 28, started the Six Nations campaign as Scotland's number 10 but was replaced after the opening defeat to England at Twickenham, with Godman occupying the role against Wales and Italy.

Godman, 24, made a costly error in the opening minute to gift Italy the first of their three early tries last month.

Glasgow's Australian-born Parks comes in to win his 29th cap, while Rory Lamont is chosen on the bench in place of Nikki Walker.

Meanwhile, second-row forward Scott Murray will win his 83rd cap, surpassing Gregor Townsend's Scotland record.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden said: "Dan has the right qualities for this game."

He added: "I still think it's important to have competition for places. That puts pressure on players to raise the bar."

Overall the vote of confidence in the other 14 players in the starting team reflects the feeling that Hadden has very few options in most positions.

He said: "We were not happy with the performance against Italy but we believe we can solve our problems with the personnel we've got. They're doubly determined to make amends. I would be surprised if we didn't get a positive reaction this weekend."

Scotland are fifth in the standings with one win from three matches. Ireland are second after two victories.

Scotland: 15-Hugo Southwell; 14-Sean Lamont, 13-Marcus Di Rollo, 12-Rob Dewey, 11-Chris Paterson (captain); 10-Dan Parks, 9-Chris Cusiter; 8-David Callam, 7-Kelly Brown, 6-Simon Taylor, 5-Scott Murray, 4-Nathan Hines, 3-Euan Murray, 2-Doug Hall, 1-Gavin Kerr.

Replacements: 16-Ross Ford, 17-Allan Jacobsen, 18-Jim Hamilton, 19-Allister Hogg 20-Rory Lawson, 21-Andrew Henderson, 22-Rory Lamont.

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