Ferris: More to come from young guns Ryan and O’Mahony

It is one thing being the recipient of the Man of the Match award from a television pundit, but players know it means something when colleagues row in with words of support.

Donnacha Ryan had been charged not only with replacing Ireland’s iconic skipper Paul O’Connell in the engine room for Saturday’s RBS Six Nations clash with Scotland, but also to orchestrate an attack on the visitors’ previously unblemished lineout return, a record of 33 wins from 33 throws.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson admitted difficulties in that area played a significant part in their downfall, putting Ryan’s contribution into perspective. And forward colleague Stephen Ferris made it abundantly clear.