VIDEO: Sub plots galore as Last Chance Saloon looms

Scotland may be the opposition as Ireland continue their World Cup preparations in this the second of four rehearsals, but the standout performances of so many of their colleagues in Cardiff last week will serve as just a useful barometer for many of those wearing green today.

So, like, no pressure guys.

Yet, if we have come to learn anything about Joe Schmidt’s Ireland it is the side’s consistent ability to hit their straps. They did so last November when all the talk was of the volume of players missing and most recently against Warren Gatland’s crew to kick off the countdown to The Big One.