A magnificent victory over England (23-5) at Templeville Road in their last game has redefined the parameters for Ireland as they prepare for the challenge of Scotland in the Under-21 international at Stirling tonight (6.30). The manner in which they play, rather than winning itself, while still vital, should be the focal point for this Irish team.
It has nothing to do with the fact that Scotland has never beaten Ireland at this level, nor that the Scots have yet to register a victory this season: this Ireland team is wonderfully gifted and should now look to express that ability fully. In victory over France and England, Brian McLaughlin's charges displayed flashes of the type of rugby of which they are capable.
The time has come to offer a more lasting testament. The side that defeated England has understandably been retained. The foundation for their most recent win was the quality of ball produced by the Irish eight.
Blackrock College second row Robert Casey, in tandem with Peter Smyth, dominated out of touch, ably supported by Mick O'Driscoll and Leo Cullen. Far from one-dimensional, all of the above contributed handsomely in the loose. Prop Marcus Horan enjoyed his best game to date while open side flanker Richard Woods claimed the man of the match mantle for his brilliance both in defence and in snaffling the loose ball.
The performance of the pack gave half-backs Peter Stringer and Jeremy Staunton the latitude to impose themselves on the game. Staunton, the Garryowen out-half, engineered several superb breaks and his vision and handling was responsible for two tries. The only minor criticism is that centre Brian O'Driscoll and full back Geordan Murphy have been limited participants in an attacking capacity.
The players will also be aware that there is still a possibility that one or two may be included on the senior tour of Australia. Coach Warren Gatland has intimated that he will take a couple of the younger players to the Southern Hemisphere, not as front line players, but to benefit from the experience with perhaps 20 or 30 minutes of match action.
Scotland lost to both England (1338) and Wales (20-22), the latter in a mud bath before thrashing Italy 540. Victory for them would constitute a major shock.
Scotland: P Rutherford (Peebles); R Kerr (West of Scotland), Ian McInroy (W of Scotland), A Dickson (Selkirk), M Di Rollo (Watsonians); C Paterson (Gala), R Chrystie (Melrose); A Jacobsen (Preston Lodge), W Jones (Northampton), L Harrison (Exeter); J White (Glasgow Caledonians); T Palmer (Leeds); S Taylor (Heriots), F Gladstone (Rugby, capt), A Martyn (Boroughmuir).
Ireland: G Murphy (Leicester); D Quinlan (Blackrock), K Hartigan (Garryowen), B O'Driscoll (UCD), T Keating (Blackrock); J Staunton (Garryowen), P Stringer (UCC); M Horan (Shannon), P Smyth (St Mary's), J Campbell (Terenure); R Casey (Blackrock), M O'Driscoll (UCC); P Nev- ille (Old Crescent), L Cullen (Blackrock, capt), R Woods (Dublin University).
