Front-row strength the key

Irish Examiner rugby columnist, Donal Lenihan, throws his eyes over the key areas in this afternoon's Six Nations clash with Scotland.

1. SCRUM POWER

For the first time in years, Ireland have the capacity to use their scrum as a point of difference. While the new engagement sequence has somewhat negated the bulk on offer from the big tightheads like Mike Ross and Adam Jones, it has played into the hands of the more dynamic and explosive looseheads. This has enabled Cian Healy to take his game to another level. He has been exceptional since his miraculous return from an ankle injury and in the absence of Euan Murray tomorrow has the ability to do a serious job on Scotland tighthead Moray Low.