The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hat-trick hero Stander keeps Ireland grounded
FRANCE 22 SCOTLAND 16: Search for first win in France since 1999 continues
Hat-trick hero CJ Stander insists Ireland are still not back in the RBS 6 Nations title race despite thrashing Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Flanker Stander and wing Craig Gilroy both claimed trebles as Ireland racked up a record Six Nations win over the Azzurri, a nine-try 63-10 demolition at the Stadio Olimpico.
Ireland atoned for their 27-22 Scotland defeat in style, with Keith Earls claiming a brace and Garry Ringrose also crossing. Munster backrower Stander insisted Ireland must not get ahead of themselves as he anticipated a bruising clash with France in Dublin on February 25.
“We were disappointed last week so we knew it would be tough right from the off in Italy,” said Stander.
“Not winning in Scotland has made it tough for us when it comes to the title, and what chances we have. Everyone knows that, so beating Italy is great.
“I wouldn’t say we’re back in the mix for the title yet though, I’d just say we’re one step closer”
Stander became the first forward in Six Nations history to claim a hat-trick as Ireland ran Conor O’Shea’s Italy ragged in Rome.
Italy boss Conor O’Shea insisted his side can still move forward and forge a competitive Six Nations side despite another hefty defeat.
“We have to learn, we have to get mentally stronger, and we have a lot to change in Italian rugby to get that,” said former Ireland full-back O’Shea.
“I hate days like this. But we know what we have to do – fulfil some short-term ambitions.”
Head coach Vern Cotter admitted that the plan to soak up and drain the energy from France didn’t work as Scotland lost two captains and ultimately the chance of two wins to start a Six Nations for the first time in 21 years.
The Scots led briefly in Paris after Tim Swinson’s 45th minute try – although there was some controversy with Finn Russell hurrying to take the conversion in front of the posts to stretch Scotland’s led to five points.
The stand-off topped his kick under the posts with some suggesting referee Jaco Peyper asked him to speed up but also claims that the Scottish coaches wanted the conversion taken quickly before a TMO intervention could be made.
In any case an extra two points would have made minimal difference as instead of wilting, France’s stand-off Camille Lopez landed three penalties in the dying minutes to give them a 22-16 victory against a Scottish side nursing injuries – including key ones to skipper Greig Laidlaw and then the man who took over the captain’s duties when he left, John Barclay.