Josh Strauss calls on Scotland to be ruthless in Ireland battle

When you ask Schmidt if he hid some of his best moves when Gatland was watching on, the Ireland head coach laughs. Munster’s Ian Keatley is the replacement out-half.

WARREN GATLAND WAS an interested spectator at Ireland training on Tuesday at Carton House, with photos of the Lions boss – on leave from his position as Wales head coach – sparking some speculation that Joe Schmidt might have reeled in his session.

Sean O’Brien was also an injury concern but he has come through and is picked at 7.

In addition to the ballast of CJ Stander, Seán O’Brien and Iain Henderson, amongst others, there is Cian Healy, Ultan Dillane and Josh van der Flier to spring from the replacements.

However, in terms of concerns, they feel Jared Payne will be a “big loss” and seem to question the merits of including Tommy Bowe, implying that it’s based on past form.

Ireland will play well because they play quite a limited game-plan but one that they deliver with huge accuracy and intensity. He’s approaching his best form.

SR: Stuart Hogg will be the jewel in Scotland’s crown once again.

The Irish arrive in Edinburgh still buoyed by their first-ever victory over world champions New Zealand in Chicago in November.

If Jim Telfer’s words are anything to go by, there is a burgeoning sense of confidence around Scottish rugby leading into the 2017 Six Nations.

Ireland have won the last four Tests against Scotland, including a 40-10 drubbing the last time the two teams faced off in Murrayfield (2015).

Keith Earls will start on the wing against Scotland, with Andrew Trimble ruled out because of a groin injury. It may be secret from one week to the next, and then everyone does their analysis and figures out what you’re doing.

Ringrose scored his first global try in a 27-24 win over Australia last time he put on an Ireland shirt and will be hoping and expected to maintain that form on the big stage in the next few weeks.

November fifth 2016 was the greatest day in the history of Irish rugby.

“He is a key member of their team and there will be times when he is involved, and we will have to put that pressure on”, added Cotter.

Although not the youngest in the side, Parisse is still tipped to play a pivotal role in Conor O’Shea’s side and his leadership qualities could prove vital if Italy are to, against all odds, get their hands on silverware this time around.

– Scotland have not won their opening match of a Six Nations campaign since beating France in 2006, which is in fact the only time they have won their opener since Italy joined the competition in 2000.

A year ago England finished fifth in the Under-20s Six Nations before turning things around and winning the world title on home soil.

Who will win between Scotland and Ireland?

“Scotland away first up is really tough”, said Schmidt.

The brothers can be a nuisance for opposition sides and Ireland will have their work cut out if they want to gain the same level of success in the lineout as they did in Chicago.

There is also a Lions tour at the end of the season to motivate the players, in Scotland, Wales and England, as well as Ireland. Although they haven’t played together for Ireland before, many expect this to be an easy transition.

With this in mind, Ireland should beat Scotland in Murrayfield but the margin of that win could be lower than some of the more optimistic predictions – mostly due to the absence of Johnny Sexton. Wales should overcome Italy.