Prop Clarkson backed to step up if needed in Edinburgh

With injuries and suspensions, the Leinster third-choice could be next up. 

JOB DONE: Ireland’s Thomas Clarkson and James Ryan celebrate winning. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Simon Easterby has backed Thomas Clarkson to step up to the plate at Murrayfield this Sunday if Ireland’s two senior tighthead props fail to pass fit to face Scotland.

With Tadhg Furlong beset by continuing calf problems which caused him to miss Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener against England, Finlay Bealham started his fourth consecutive Test match at tighthead as Ireland kick-started their bid for a third title in a row with a bonus point victory at Aviva Stadium.