The team selection during the week means that even more attention will be on Ireland’s performance in Murrayfield. A win is imperative to keep the Championship dreams alive and Declan Kidney in a job. A loss, well let’s not even go there.
By Declan Whooley
No pressure on Paddy Jackson then
More than a few eyebrows were raised, though none more impressive than Jackson’s himself, when Declan Kidney chose the Ulster out-half to start at number 10. Whether ROG deserved to be left on the bench and whether he is a better bet than Ian Madigan has been the source of great discussion, but whatever your own personal opinion, the responsibility lies on young shoulders.
What Jackson does bring is perhaps more defensive solidity than his illustrious counterpart on the bench, quick passing and a solid kicking game, even if his last big game in Twickenham he will want to forget.
Given past encounters with the Scots, the first half especially promises to be a dogged affair and penalty kicks will be crucial. A good start for Jackson and the ROG debate will be forgotten, but if things do go awry, there isn’t a better influence to come on and steady the ship.
Irish backs look to get into the groove
While Scotland’s back division has never been noted as the most potent force in the world, the last outing will give the Scots hope, with four tries against the hapless Italians. The Irish back division could do with finding their mojo again.
Without a try against England and pretty much all the second half, Luke Marshall and Keith Earls on the wing will look to inject some creativity in the attacking part of the game.
New kids on the block
While the Scots ran in the tries, Italy were woeful and of more interest to Kidney will be the fact they missed 19 tackles in the course of the 80 minutes. Even half that figure and Ireland will make them pay dearly.
Can the visitors set the tempo?
The opening ten minutes of both games so far has been telling. Ten points to the good in Cardiff after a blistering start against Wales, this was followed by a lacklustre start against England in the Aviva. Three nil down to a Farrell penalty and struggling to get to terms with the English game plan, the 80 minutes was just a continuation of the same.
Scotland will have their tales up after steamrolling Italy and if they can hang in, this will become a dogfight. And with a backrow as impressive as theirs, it would be in their best interests if that’s how the game transpired.
The visitors will need to hit the ground running, take the three pointers on offer and punish any openings that present themselves.
Should Ireland do that, then it’s game on with the French to come to Dublin next.
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