How does a Scottish centre wander into an Irish lineout and no-one notices?

The most pressing issue that needs to be addressed before travelling to Rome is the ease with which Ireland concede metres on the outside, writes Donal Lenihan.

So much for a grandstand Grand Slam, showdown in Dublin on St Patrick’s weekend. Even England struggled to keep that now defunct finale alive with the French turning up at Twickenham on Saturday and pushing them all the way before holding on to their unbeaten record under Eddie Jones.

An opening day defeat is always difficult to stomach. It’s a long time since Scotland played smarter rugby than this Irish team but that’s what happened as Murrayfield rocked to a famous home victory.