RTÉ Sport Journalist
It s been hard to flick through the papers or move the dial for the last two weeks without coming across a former international scoffing at the notion that a game against the worst team in Six Nations history was a test of character.
Veni, vidi, vici, it certainly was not; Roman holiday is closer to the truth.
Not only do Franco Smith s side, hammered 48-7 by Wales yesterday for a 31st consecutive Six Nations beating, look a third-rate outfit, they now look like many of their players don’t know some of the basic rules of the game.
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REFRESHED OR RUSTY?
Like all of their rivals, Ireland had their scheduled off-week last weekend but for Scotland, their stretch without a game goes back all the way to their 13 February loss to Wales due to the postponement of their round three clash against France.
But will having that long hiatus stand to the Scots or will it leave them somewhat rustier than Ireland?
Donal Lenihan: Now is the time for Ireland s leaders to emerge
The character that was so evident on the field in almost defying the odds to win in Cardiff can lay the foundations for a monumental test against a supremely confident French side
Tadhg Beirne and Robbie Henshaw were among Ireland’s best performers on a day when every player went above and beyond in an attempt to negate their numerical disadvantage. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson
Wed, 10 Feb, 2021 - 07:00
Anyone whose been involved in a Six Nations campaign, be it as a player or in management, will appreciate fully just how fraught with danger the opening round of this unforgiving tournament can be.
Scotland s fearless Six Nations debutant Turner ready for England
Issued on: 1 min
London (AFP)
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend believes the fearless approach of George Turner will serve the hooker well against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Glasgow Warriors front-rower will be making his Six Nations debut in a match marking the 150th anniversary of rugby s oldest international.
With Fraser Brown and Stuart McInally both nursing neck injuries, the 13-times capped Turner will take his place in the starting lineup, with uncapped Edinburgh hooker David Cherry on the bench.
Townsend also had no qualms in selecting centre Cameron Redpath for his first Test this weekend because of his innate self-belief and said 28-year-old Turner has a similar attitude.