If offered nine points and a +39 points differential, and with it leadership of the Six Nations table after two rounds, Joe Schmidt said he’d have bitten your hand off. In truth, Ireland are exactly where they would aspire to be coming to the third leg of their campaign against Wales on Saturday week. Right directionScotland host England at Murrayfield on Saturday week buoyed by yesterday’s comeback 32-26 win over France at the same venue. “You do feel that you’re a chance when you can get those two wins and especially an away win first up,” said Schmidt. Schmidt seemed to shift uncomfortably when he and Rory Best were informed that Sergio Parisse had expressed the view that Ireland were a superior side to England.

Source: The Irish Times February 12, 2018 06:00 UTC