WE’VE SCOT OUR WORK CUT OUT WARNS GAVIN

GAVIN HASTINGS admits playing Ireland in Dublin is the biggest challenge facing Gregor Townsend’s Scotland yet. Townsend has overseen victories over Australia, France and England since last summer but former Scotland and Lions full-back Hastings (above) is expecting a tougher test in Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

The Scots lifted the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2008 with a big win over England two weeks ago but their record on the road has been abysmal, with just two wins from their last 37 Six Nations trips if you exclude Italy.

Hastings said: “This is a huge, huge challenge, the biggest challenge we face, far bigger than facing England a fortnight ago at Murrayfield.

“Ireland are almost unbeatable at home right now. I know Brian O’driscoll and Paul O’connell pretty well, I chat to these guys and they just say the most incredible things about Joe Schmidt.

“If they say Joe is the best coach they have ever worked for, then Joe is the best coach they have ever worked for right. End of story. His record would suggest that as well.”

Gavin Hastings is teaming up with Guinness to celebrate the camaraderie of rugby fans. See #Guinnessrugby on Twitter for details.