JONES: WE GOT A LESSON
HUW JONES admitted last week’s humiliation against Wales was a learning curve for the Scots before their gutsy performance to beat France.
The pressure was on to produce after the 34-7 Cardiff thrashing.
And Jones (above) said after Sunday’s 32-26 victory: “I think we learned a lesson. I think it helped focus the guys.
“We said we were confident going in and we were but to take a loss like that really brought us back down.
“The tension helped to refocus our minds and get us ready for another tough game.
“Greig Laidlaw was instrumental. He brought a lot of calmness and his kicking was spot on every time. His leadership really helped.” Ireland England Wales Scotland France Italy
P2 2 2 2 2 2
W2 2 1 1 0 0
D0 0 0 0 0 0
L0 0 1 1 2 2
F71 58 40 39 39 34
A32 21 19 60 47 102 1 1 2 0 2 0 GARRY RINGROSE could face Wales with no game time under his belt since undergoing ankle surgery last month.
Joe Schmidt admitted on Saturday that, with Robbie Henshaw injured, he would give that scenario serious thought.
The other option appears to be pairing Bundee Aki with Chris Farrell - they played against Argentina in November and will run together in the three-day camp that starts 9 9 6 4 2 0 in Athlone today. Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster revealed last night that Ringrose is not expected to feature for his club against the Scarlets this weekend.
“He’s close,” said Lancaster. “Obviously with Robbie’s injury I think everyone wants to see him back but we want to make sure he’s 100 per cent right and the sensible thing is for everyone to get game time.
“He hasn’t actually trained with the team yet. He’s done work on the side of the pitch. He certainly seems to be running well there but hasn’t actually changed direction, made decisions in the moment.
“He’s certainly got the quality to come straight in but that will be Joe’s call. He knows how quickly he can get up to speed in the Ireland camp.”
Prop Tadhg Furlong expects to be fit to face Wales after a scan showed up a minor hamstring strain while winger Adam Byrne is in line for his return from a knee injury.