Jackson takes leaf out of O’Gara’s book

RUARIDH JACKSON, the implausibly fresh-faced out-half set to make his first Scotland start against Ireland on Sunday, has praised the game-management abilities of Ronan O’Gara as he prepares to come face-to-face with the Munster number ten.

Jackson, who has made just 20 starts as a professional rugby player with Glasgow, and three substitute appearances totalling 46 minutes for Scotland, might be more than a little inexperienced in the nuances of out-half play but he’s clearly wise enough to know what players to keep an eye on as he attempts to take the leap from promising talent to accomplished international.

“Ronan has been there for years now and he’s one of those tens who’s got great game management,” said the softly-spoken 23-year-old.