Gregor Townsend has defended his decision to drop Finn Russell to the bench for Scotland's final Six Nations game against Ireland on Saturday, saying it is the "right time" for Blair Kinghorn to start at number 10.

Racing 92 stand-off Russell's form has faltered in the championship.

And Edinburgh's Kinghorn makes just his second Scotland start in Dublin.

"I prefer to focus on what Blair has done and how well he's played," said Townsend. "He has deserved this opportunity with his performances throughout the season.

"He's been in really good form. He wasn't available for our match last week but the week before that he played his best game of the season against Connacht.

"He's come on twice off the bench and shown what he can do in that (Scotland) jersey. He started against Tonga and played really well and he's built on that performance so we believe this is the right time, the right game for him to play in."

Townsend says talisman Russell was "initially disappointed" when told of his omission, but will "support the team and Blair".

Townsend's men lie fourth - level on points with third-place England - after two wins and two defeats.

Scotland have not won in Dublin for 12 years, while Ireland need victory - and England to beat Grand Slam-chasing France in Paris later on Saturday - to claim the title.

Scotland: Hogg; Graham, Harris, Johnson, Steyn; Kinghorn, Price; M Fagerson, Watson, Darge; Gilchrist, J Gray; Z Fagerson, Turner, Schoeman.

Replacements: Brown, Dell, Nel, Skinner, Bayliss, White, Russell, Bennett.