VIDEO: Jittery audition for Cup hopefuls

Ireland 28 Scotland 22: Though a myriad of questions remain to be answered, Saturday’s run against the Scots seemed to confirm that, for some, it all but marked the beginning of the end of their World Cup ambitions.

For the likes of Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Isaac Boss and Dan Tuohy this will have been an uncomfortable few days spent in the knowledge that their big chance for a place in Ireland’s tournament squad of 31 came and went without them delivering their best lines.

Joe Schmidt spoke afterwards about how some players have always struggled to deliver their best at the season’s starting line, and how a few may benefit from further outings with their provinces, but the time for such luxuries is coming to an end.