We’ll take bull by the Hornes
Peter pumped up for Irish opener
PETER HORNE insists Scotland will not be losing sleep ahead of their World Cup opener with Ireland.
The Scots have stepped up their preparations for facing Joe Schmidt’s men on Sunday after switching base to Tokyo.
Their week-long camp in the sweltering southern port city of Nagasaki allowed Gregor Townsend’s team to shake off their jet lag and acclimatise.
Thankfully for Glasgow centre Horne temperatures have dropped from last week’s stifling 33 degree high on the East China Sea coast.
A thunderstorm was predicted to lash down over the International Stadium this weekend although forecasters now say the chance of rain has lessened.
But whatever happens in the heavens, Horne is so content with the planning put in by Townsend’s backroom staff he will not be left awake all night worrying.
He said: “I’m feeling alright after getting over the jet lag – my little girl prepped me for a lack of sleep!
“It’s not often you get two weeks to build up and focus on a specific game so we’ve done a lot of prep and we’ve still got sessions on Friday and Saturday as well.
“Most of the graft has been done, now it’s a case of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s now.
“It’s so nice the game is just around the corner. Everyone has been so pumped about it for ages, the coaches, the players. Everyone’s really excited about it, it’s not long til the shackles come off.
“We’ve had so much time to look at everything and cover all bases. I find the night before a game you often sleep your best – you’ve done all your work so you can go off to bed knowing there’s not much to worry about, you can just get up in the morning and do your thing.”
Ireland will be without British and Irish Lion Robbie Henshaw this weekend after he suffered a hamstring injury.
The Leinster centre’s place is likely to go to Garry Ringrose and Horne admits that will not make the midfield an easier place.
He said: “Henshaw’s a great player, he’s such a good defender but is good going forward too.
“It’s tough because they lose one and then Ringrose comes in and he’s awesome. I’ve got a lot of respect for him.
“It maybe changes the dynamic a little because Henshaw and Bundee Aki are both really powerful whereas Ringrose is great on that outside break and has great feet coming back, he’s quite often involved in trick plays.
“Regardless of who pulls on the jersey for Ireland they are going to be pretty handy.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Ritchie has rejoined Townsend’s team for full training for the first time since fracturing his cheekbone against Georgia earlier this month.
The Edinburgh flanker was left behind as the rest of the team flew out to the Far East as he had surgery to have a mental plate fitted.
Clubmate Magnus Bradbury was called up as a precautionary back-up but Ritchie – who doesn’t plan to wear a protective mask – is eyeing up a return against Samoa in the second group game.
Assistant coach Danny Wilson said: “Jamie is making progress. Hopefully he will get through training and will be available for the next game.
“Our medical staff will make sure he ticks all the boxes he will need to tick before he is available for selection but I don’t think he will have to play in a mask.
“Magnus hasn’t returned home yet but a decision will be made off the back of this game.”