Farrell hopeful on duo’s fitness but Scots are eyeing Ireland’s plan B

Two days out from their all-Six Nations World Cup 2019 opening showdown, and the game is afoot.

The dissemination of official confirmation of the backline injury concerns for Ireland surrounding first-choice trio Robbie Henshaw, Keith Earls, and Rob Kearney is tempered by reticence from head coach Joe Schmidt and the team management to show their hand until absolutely necessary.