Sexton at 12 is move we must try again

Ireland started Saturday’s game at the Aviva without Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell in a Six Nations match for the first time since 2001 and I, amongst others, was fearful of the Scots, who looked like they were improving with each game.

Add to that Sean O’Brien and Conor Murray missing through injury, the effects of a long campaign and there was reason for worry.

But the replacements Donnacha Ryan, Peter O’Mahony and Eoin Reddan were all excellent. Despite a poor start, once Ireland scored their first try through a front peel from a close-in lineout, we eventually got on top in the set piece and controlled the breakdown in the second-half, where Stephen Ferris had a huge influence.