DEVIN WILL NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED BY COACH

IT’S clear that Joe Schmidt is Taken with his giant lock Devin Toner.

Toner got the nod yesterday to remain in the second row against Scotland – at the expense of Iain Henderson, who was declared fully fit for selection.

But then no one has played more for Schmidt at Test level. Saturday’s game will be his 50th involvement in the 54 games the Kiwi has been Ireland boss.

It will also be Toner’s 44th start in that period – not bad for a guy not exactly noted for huge physicality or pace.

“I’d be the first to admit that,” said the Meath man (above).

“I have, to quote Liam Neeson (in the film Taken), ‘A certain set of skills’ that I know do well for me.

“I stick to my strengths. I know what I’m good at.

“I’m reliable, dependable, I try not to make any mistakes and I run a good lineout. I’m good at restarts.

“With the secondary stuff, I’m trying to get my ruck better, clean out, tackle, defence. They all kind of blend together. So over the years that’s me, basically.”

It’s a combination Schmidt values. The head coach explained: “It’s his relatively recent form that has allowed him to springboard himself right into the forefront of our thinking.

“It’s also his ability to call a lineout, to keep it ticking over in a positive manner, to challenge opposition lineout as well.

“When you’re throwing in and an opponent is

6’10”, it probably looks quite high that you have to throw it. It puts a bit of pressure on.

“Dev has also been better at carrying and getting over the advantage line.

“His link play is better than some give him credit for.

“In the kick-offs and receiving kick-offs, it’s great to have Dev out there.”