Toner so comfortable calling the shots

There wasn’t a hint of panic when Devin Toner was suddenly called upon to organise Ireland’s line-out strategy in Sunday’s RBS Six Nations clash with Scotland.

No panic even when Toner, making his first championship start, was told skipper Paul O’Connell was out, and that he would be partnered in the second row by an equally inexperienced Dan Tuohy. He didn’t even consult the captain who was confined to bed with a chest infection.

Toner found out about his additional responsibilities when he walked into breakfast on Sunday morning: “I just walked in and Plum (forwards coach John Plumtree) said: ‘Paul’s out, you’re calling’. I was like – ‘okay’.