England’s implosion offers hope of a final flourish, as does an impressive recent record against thenotoriously untrustworthy Scots. There are enough green shoots to offer encouragement; and yet enough creases to invite concern. Josh Van der Flier 5If Farrell stumbled upon a balanced back-row fit for purpose – Italian incompetence a large asterisk – Van der Flier must now respond in joust with Connors. CJ Stander7Another pilloried for perceived inadequacies as Irish stumbled through 2020, Stander can always be counted upon to deliver the incessant work-rate required once one doesn’t ask him to do what he cannot. He also has panache and let’s hope Ireland let him show it.

Source: Irish Independent March 01, 2021 02:35 UTC