Doris insists Ireland must 'look after' Scottish back-row threat of Darge and Co.

Captain Caelan Doris during an Ireland rugby media conference at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Caelan Doris is targeting an 80-minute performance from Ireland on Sunday but believes his Scottish captaincy counterpart Rory Darge will have to be looked after first when the sides meet at Murrayfield in the Guinness Six Nations.

The Ireland No.8 and fellow back-rowers Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony will go toe-to-toe with a Scottish loose forward trio led by openside flanker Darge alongside Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey.

Doris wants a more consistent outing from his side than last week’s patchy display in a 27-22 Dublin win over England. 

Ireland had been under the cosh for the first 30 minutes and trailed 10-5 at half-time before a golden period helped secure a bonus-point victory through tries from Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan, only for a late switch-off when the visitors scored twice to rescue a losing bonus point.

The Ireland skipper has focused on an improved breakdown and another strong showing from the replacements to deliver that more consistent performance but recognises the threat posed by Darge, the Scotland co-captain who was a standout in his side’s opening victory over Italy in Rome last Saturday.

“He was a nuisance last week,” Doris said. “The number of turnovers he got from reefing the ball in the tackle, he’s been doing that for a number of years, always impressed with his footwork in the carry as well.

“We feel our breakdown can improve from the autumn, we’ve spoken about it quite a bit this week as well, with guys like him, Fagerson, a few of them – we'll have to look after that.” 

 As for the opening-round performance against England, Doris said: "I think how the first half unfolded I think we probably maybe overplayed a little bit in our own half. I think we were stuck in a few exit cycles a little bit so potentially a bit more pragmatism there would be something we might be looking at.

Ireland's Caelan Doris. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

“And then we had eight entries into the opposition in the 22 and didn't convert so that's another area that there's obvious growth in. The breakdown is something that we always talk about and try and make that a strength too. We're trying to get back to our best there as well. There was definitely pretty pleasing aspects in that second half in terms of our attack and defence as well.

"It's so enjoyable attacking within the system and some of the things lads are capable of in training. The belief that we have in attack is very strong and it's enjoyable to be a part of. There's belief that we can continue to improve and get back to our best.” 

Ireland’s bench will again be key, with interim head coach Simon Easterby preferring to stick with dynamic replacements such as Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan and Jack Crowley to provide an effective finish at Murrayfield as they did against the English.

"I think they made the difference last week, the quality and energy - they took it up another level.

"It allows those who are starting to commit fully to whatever time we have on the pitch, knowing we have such a strong bench who are going to come on and finish, to not just add something to the game but bring it up a gear.

"It's a very strong bench, it's definitely going to be a full 80 minute performance. The last five, 10 minutes was disappointing last week. We've touched on that during the week, the importance of the bench contributing to that."

Ireland were forced into a late change to their starting line-up on Saturday when right wing Mack Hansen was withdrawn as a precaution with a hamstring strain, Calvin Nash returning the number 14 jersey for the first time since last summer’s South African tour. Doris is confident there will not be any disruption to Ireland’s plans for an 11th consecutive victory over the Scots.

“Disappointing for Mack, obviously, he's been an integral part of what we've been about over the last number of years, but I think he's made the right call.

“There's a lot of trust in Calvin in how he's been with us over the last number of years but also how he's played for much of this year. It should be quite a seamless transition.

“Lads are disappointed for Mack, but what an opportunity for Calvin at the same time and Mack is happy for him.”