Donal Lenihan: Formidable Ireland depth too much as Scots fail to harness emotion

Ireland’s current strength in depth is quite remarkable given our comparatively small playing base.

STRENGTH IN DEPTH: The Ireland team, led by captain Caelan Doris, centre, celebrate with the Century Quaich trophy after the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Scotland and Ireland. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

OVER the last few years, every time I prepare for an Ireland game against Scotland, the immortal words of tennis ace Vitas Gerulaitis come flooding to mind. 

After beating Jimmy Connors at the 1980 Masters tournament, he famously declared: “And let that be a lesson to you all — nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row.”