Robinson lauds Irish back row as Scotland spring surprises

ANDY ROBINSON has declared Ireland’s back row to be the best in the northern hemisphere as his Scotland side attempt to get their Six Nations campaign back on track at Murrayfield on Sunday.

The Scotland coach has made seven changes in personnel, and one positional switch, from the side that lost to Wales in Edinburgh in their last outing. Robinson sprung a surprise in selecting 23-year-old out-half Ruaridh Jackson for his first start, as well as asking Sean Lamont to fill in at inside-centre. But the former England coach knows his side need to counter the yardage threat of Seán O’Brien, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip if they’re to emerge victorious.

“Ireland’s back-row has the best ball carriers in European rugby,” said the 46-year-old. “Seán O’Brien is a wrecking ball with the ball in hand. He just runs and runs and runs. We’ve got to be able to put this guy on the floor. It’s the same kind of thing with David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip. It’s a big ask for us to keep a lid on their ball-carrying abilities. We’ll need a huge defensive performance.”