Scotland v Ireland: Six Nations 2019, Match Preview pt II – head to heads

It’s been 14 years since Scotland and Ireland last met in Round 2 of the Six Nations (rather anomalously the dark blues have played Wales eight times in their second match of the tournament since then). Unsurprisingly no-one from either of the two teams that day is involved on Saturday!

The most recent encounter between these two sides was last season’s clash at the Aviva Stadium and 30 of the 46 players who contested that game return this time round, 15 for Scotland and 15 for Ireland. Here’s how they match up:

Tale of the tape

BACKS
67   Tries   76
94kg   Average weight   97kg
279   Total caps   338
135   6N caps   164
28.3   Average age   29.3

FORWARDS
896kg   Pack weight   900kg
12   Tries   29
199   Total caps  368
78   6N caps   177
27.7   Average age   29.1

SUBSTITUTES
151   Total caps   160
54   6N caps   62
16   Tries   13
26.5   Average age   26.4

4 changes to Scotland starting XV from last Test (v Italy)

• 11 – Maitland for Kinghorn [+]
• 3 – Berghan for Nel [-]
• 4/5 – Gray for Toolis [+]
• 6/8 – Strauss for Skinner with Wilson moving from 8 to 6 [-]

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Overall

Backs – advantage Ireland

Both sides have picked back 3s with top notch aerial skills and who are excellent under the high ball. Ireland will feel it is an area they can attack with intent and Scotland’s selection maybe tends a little more towards being able to defuse some of the bombs coming their way.

That being said England were able to have a pretty decent crack at nullifying the Irish kicking game. Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton will also know if they don’t put their high balls right on the money the Scottish trio of Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour will need no second invitation to counterattack.

Forwards – advantage Ireland

Injuries have knocked out some first choice back rowers for both sides but there is still plenty of talent on show. Ireland will bring a lot of power – in particular Scotland know the damage Sean O’Brien can do. The Tullow Tank is 32 now though and has had a horrendous run of bad luck with injuries. Since the Lions tour in 2017 he’s averaged just 61 minutes of game time per month.

Up against him Jamie Ritchie is a very different style of player and he’ll look to win the breakdown battle through his speed and athleticism. Ritchie has been Scotland’s best forward this season and has made the absence of Hamish Watson slightly easier to bear.

Subs – advantage Ireland

There is an awful lot more strength in depth for Gregor Townsend to call on this week, although injuries are still exposing Scotland slightly in a couple of key positions. Ireland also have plenty of experience on the bench – but it may well be that if the game is in the balance both coaches will play their starters in key positions deep into the game rather than risk change for change’s sake.

Miscellany

–  If he makes it off the bench D’arcy Rae will be the 30th player to make his debut for Scotland since the last World Cup. Starting with Zander Fagerson against England in the 2016 Six Nations there have been 8 new caps in the final year or so of the Cotter regime and a further 22 (including D’arcy) in the Townsend era:

• 8 props
• 2 hookers
• 2 locks
• 6 back rows
• 2 scrum halves
• 1 stand off
• 6 centres
• 3 wings / full backs

– Combinations can often be key. Here’s how frequently each of the Scottish teams’ units have started together for the national side:

• Front row – 2nd time
• Second row – 10th
• Back row – 1st *
• Half backs – 31st
• Centres – 2nd
• Back 3 – 18th

– Since the last Six Nations the Irish back 3 of Kearney, Earls and Stockdale have scored 1 try in a combined 15 appearances. The Scottish trio of Hogg, Seymour and Maitland have notched 6 in 13.

– Rob Harley is in line to make his first Six Nations appearance since March 2016. His previous 2 matches in the tournament were also against Ireland.

– Ireland hooker Sean Cronin made his Six Nations debut back in March 2010 but has yet to start a match in the championship with all 31 of his appearances coming from the bench.

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Missed part 1? Check it out here. Featuring the previous history between these two sides; Ireland scouting report; and Scotland’s record with M. Poite as referee.

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* the breakaway trio did play most of last week’s match together after Sam Skinner had to be withdrawn after just 12 minutes.