Schmidt gears up for Scots’ guile

JOE SCHMIDT has warned his Ireland players not to allow themselves to be wrongfooted by a Scotland sidestep as they chase a record 11th successive win tomorrow.

Schmidt, who named prop Tadhg Furlong and centre Garry Ringrose in his starting line-up yesterday, watched in admiration as the Scots tore it up against England at Murrayfield.

But he is wary of a Dublin double cross by Scotland’s wily coach Gregor Townsend. “Gregor is too intelligent to bring a package that’s predictable,” said Schmidt.

“We have got to be prepared for whatever they bring and there is no doubt the Scotland forward pack will challenge us.

“People think Gregor is a bit of a maverick player, he is a high-risk taker.

“Gregor is incredibly methodical and very well planned, he knows exactly what he is doing. And so it would be naive to think that suddenly he has given this massive licence for everyone to do what they like.

“There is a method to any madness that happens.”

Schmidt has kept faith with lock Devin Toner, with the fit-again Iain Henderson having to make do with a bench spot.

“It gives you a lot of confidence when the coaches have that confidence in you,” said 6ft 10in second row Toner. “I think I have, to quote Liam Neeson, ‘a certain set of skills’ that I know do well for me and I stick to my strengths.”

Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien could feature against England next week after recovering from a hip injury to be named in the Leinster side to face the Scarlets tonight.

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