Schmidt’s men need a blistering finish

Never mind the fast start that is required of all Test rugby teams.

As Ireland launch into a first Six Nations championship tomorrow under the leadership ticket of Joe Schmidt and Paul O’Connell it is how they finish their game with Scotland that will be the deciding factor.

A high price was paid by Schmidt’s team in Dublin 10 weeks ago when New Zealand ruthlessly punished Ireland’s inability to score in the second half of their Guinness Series Test. Not only that, the All Blacks also showed the value of their own never-say-die attitude to come from behind and close out a game they had had no right to win, having trailed 19-0 after just 20 minutes.