Kilcoyne can’t wait to get at Scots

PROP Dave Kilcoyne says Ireland are ‘frothing at the mouth’ to face Scotland and insists there is no sense of self-satisfaction following the euphoric win over South Africa.

Despite seeing off the reigning champions 13-8 last weekend in Paris, progression to the quarterfinals is not yet assured.

Munster loosehead Kilcoyne (right) believes a memorable evening against the Springboks was ‘parked’ during some well-earned time off as attention quickly shifted to the Ireland’s final Pool B fixture.

‘Lads went away and spent a bit of downtime and were itching to get back in, bouncing, and it’s all eyes on Scotland now,’ he said.

‘That game is parked, we’ve a couple of massive learnings from it and we definitely won’t be falling in love with ourselves.

‘Paulie (forwards coach Paul O’Connell) had a few tips for us in areas we were deficient in and we were out there making sure we had them right for Scotland.

‘In a competition like this you’ve got to keep learning with every game and you’ve got to keep getting better.

‘Next week poses a massive challenge to us again so we’ve got to prepare as best we can for that.

‘Everyone’s frothing at the mouth to be involved.’

Ireland’s management are monitoring the fitness of Cian Healy as his recovery from the calf injury he suffered against Samoa on August 26 progresses.

The vastly-experienced Leinster loosehead posted on social media that his rehabilitation was ‘ahead of schedule’.

Ireland team manager Mick Kearney says Healy ‘would be a great addition’ if needed later in the tournament, though he could only be called up if another player departed injured.

‘The medics and S&C (strength and conditioning) would be in regular contact with Cian and I’m sure other players back home to see how their fitness levels are,’ said Kearney.

‘It’s great to see Cian back training and training well.’