Murphy warns of Scots' threat

Full-back Geordan Murphy has warned Scotland are a “huge threat” to Ireland's RBS 6 Nations title bid.

The Scots – heavily backed to land the championship wooden spoon once again - surprised everyone by giving France an almighty scare in Paris before succumbing to a late Damien Traille try.

But their encouraging 16-9 defeat will have lifted confidence levels significantly ahead of Saturday’s Murrayfield showdown with Ireland – a point readily acknowledged by Murphy.

“The Scots played fantastically well against France. Many people felt the French didn’t play well but I think that had a lot to do with Scotland’s performance,” he said.

“They were unlucky to lose. If just one or two things had gone their way it could have been a very different outcome. They didn’t look like the Scottish team everyone was expecting going into the Six Nations and they’re a huge threat to us this weekend.”

Ireland enjoyed a winning start against Italy at the Stadio Flaminio yesterday but the expected points blitz failed to emerge thanks to a ferocious display from the Azzurri forwards.

Eventually the Irish backs were able to make their extra class tell with Murphy, Peter Stringer and Denis Hickie showing clinical finishing skills to break the Italian resistance.

Murphy said: “That’s the best Italy side I’ve experienced. They’ve played quality games in the past, turning over the Welsh and the Scots. They looked very strong and made it very tough in all areas, pushing us hard right until the final whistle. We had to stick at it to win.”

Wales’ victory over England, Scotland’s narrow defeat at the Stade de France and Italy’s heroics in Rome have confirmed pre-championship suspicions that this will be the tightest Six Nations for many years.

Any side travelling to Rome hoping for a guaranteed two-point haul will receive a rude awakening and Ireland were understandably delighted to have successfully negotiated a tricky opening assignment.

But hooker Shane Byrne highlighted the lack of post-match celebration by his team mates as evidence of a steely determination to get things right as they bid to land their first Six Nations title in 20 years.

“There is potentially a big cherry at the end of the tournament for us but you can’t look too far ahead because these matches are not always going by the form book,” said the Leinster front row.

“We must concentrate on our game because we’re capable beating anyone on our day, but like we showed against Italy if we’re not doing things the right way we can make it very hard for ourselves.

“We did some things wrong and there is another game in five days time. As professionals we have to go home and correct those mistakes. There was no jumping around after the game – we have a job to do.”