It was an experimental side from Joe Schmidt, but Ireland's win once again showed that there's plenty of versatility to this team as they beat Scotland by a scoreline of 28-22.
Schmidt shuffled the pieces today but ended up with the same result: an Ireland win. However, the questions asked of his team were based around the system that they employ and how well each member of the squad could execute the game plan. With some players moved around and others handed starting spots when they might be more used to coming off the bench, three players took their opportunity today and shone above the others.
Simon Zebo was the standout player of the game today in an attacking sense, but the Ireland head coach would have been looking for him to make an impact when he wasn't in possession of the ball, something that could make or break his place on the squad. Although he did look to be having a bit of difficulty early on, a good tackle (even if it might have been a sneaky trip) stopped a Scotland break away in the 48th minute where he was left exposed down his channel. He dealt with it well, even if it was by the skin of his teeth.
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
With the ball, Zebo showed exactly what we all know that he can do. His unpredictability and quick change of direction were on display again, but the timing of his runs and his offloading was superb, which is what Ireland will need when they come up against tough defences in the tournament proper. It also shows that he's applying his skillset to the system, the best possible way to get into Schmidt's good books.
While he might not have been out of position, Ian Madigan has more or less nailed down a spot behind Sexton in the pecking order after a superb kicking display today. His inch-perfect kick to find Luke Fitzgerald's run was something right out of the top drawer, but he showed throughout the game that he was up to the task of taking complete control of a match from the no. 10 position.
©INPHO/James Crombie
He managed the game superbly, slotted his conversions with unerring precision and also showed a cool head with the ball in his hands. Where Sexton stands out from the other candidates for the shirt is his ability to make the right decision at the right time (as well as his seemingly inhuman ability to make every kick) but Madigan is increasingly showing both in these warm up games and in the last Six Nations that, when called upon, he can close out a game. Today, he controlled one for the duration, and that may well leave Paddy Jackson out of the picture.
Sean O'Brien wore no. 8, and with the responsibility of being captain, he once again highlighted that he is a very special talent. His work rate was superb, but what Joe would have been looking for would be for each player to do their job to a tee when taken out of their comfort zone. O'Brien proved that beyond doubt today, even playing in a position that would have asked some different questions of him. There was no doubt that he would be travelling in the squad, and Heaslip definitely has that place nailed down, but Schimdt will be happy in the knowledge that he can change things if they need to make their opposition uncomfortable.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Luke Fitzgerald is a player who also had a great game, and similarly to Keith Earls last week, his jinking footwork and speed make him a real force to be reckoned with. Ireland's inability to get a ball over the try line hasn't proven itself to be a problem in these warm up games, but that is thanks in part to the fact that some of the more creative players have been on song. Fitzgerald was among them today, and could be another man who has given the head coach something to think about.
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