Jackman: Irish scrum needs major surgery

BERNARD JACKMAN says Ireland may have taken victory over Scotland on Saturday for granted and that the scrum will require “major surgery” to be competitive at the World Cup next year.

The Leinster hooker was not accusing any of his current and former Irish team-mates of arrogance. Indeed he is certain Scotland were not written off by either the coaching staff or players.

However, the manner in which Ireland have managed to dig out victories to win the Grand Slam, draw with Australia and beat South Africa would have engendered huge confidence that they could always find a way to win.