There certainly were some strong performances put in, but I wouldn't lose the run of myself since so often Wales were the architects of their own demise. Maybe it was the game plan, but Sexton and Murray controlled the game so well that it rarely looked like Ireland would score from any backline move while Wales on the other hand looked the more dangerous when they were able to but a couple of phases together. Perhaps the credit should go to the likes of POM and Henry slowing down Welsh ball preventing them from playing their game, but there is room for improvement and it will be needed to beat England at Twickenham.

I'd imagine it will be Henderson. Paul OConnel was still was feeling the effects of the chest infection and that's why he was off at 54mins. You could also hear it in his voice in the post match interview.

Dan Tuohy looks like he broke his arm so will most likely miss the rest of the six nations. Shame he was really doing well. I wonder who Schmidt will bring in McCarthy or Henderson?

I think POM was right on the edge today and I've often been critical of him in the past for unnecessary mouthy stuff. However of all refs to talk back to you don't talk back to barnes, he was a bit lucky. To think we started the game -2 favourites, it was utter dominance throughout the whole eighty. Really excited for the England game, they don't have that much to be fearful of imo, they have a top class front five and Billy Vunipola is an effective carrier but after that there's not much going on. Ireland should continue to dominate in the lineout and it should be even in the scrum. We've the better backs imo and importantly there is real impact off the bench. Its shocking to think that none of the other six nations teams have a viable back up 10 and I think its one of the things that could help us to the championship.

After some dire years of late finally we have an international team worth talking about again. Ireland brought a fantastic intensity today's game. Really 26-3 flattered a disjointed Wales side. It was like night and day when compared with the dirge we have witnessed over the last few years. England is going to be a tough test. Their pack won't be bullied but with Schmidt in charge Ireland finally look like a team with confidence who know what they are trying to do in defence and attack.

A word for Peter O'Mahony, he has been superb in both games to date. He has an attitude which can't be bought and he'd stick his head anywhere for the team. I still think his temperament is a bit suspect especially for playing England where there'll be all kinds of goading going on but that's for another day.

Thought we were slow enough in the first half. No complaints in the second, but there were some gaps in defence that a better team that Scotland might have exploited. Still, happy out.

Thought that Ireland had a very good game against the Scots. Toner and POM impressed me a lot with there tackling and while it was an arm wrestle we still managed to score three try's. A good result for a team that usually always starts slowly.

If anyone is in town tomorrow, the Dail were onto me and are good enought to put a table or two aside for us in the usual spot. (Also:clan fleeces available for those who didn't get one a few weeks ago)

Dan Tuohy got picked on the bench?! What will the Ulster fans bitch about now? Oh wait Darren Cave wasn't picked so that's alright then.

Was set to applaud Schmidt for going with Marshall over D'Arcy but it appears to be forced by illness. I didn't think Trimble was in the frame at all, not completely sold on him at international level, but with him starting there would be no room on the bench for Robbie. A solid team that should win this one provided their game plan doesn't involve kicking the ball to Scotland's back 3.

Disappointed that Robbie didn't get the 23 shirt, but he'll probably get game time at some point in the campaign (I hope).

Aside from that I think it looks good. Hopefully Marshall puts in a good shift at 12.

Ireland: R Kearney (Leinster); D Kearney (Leinster), B O’Driscoll (Leinster), L Marshall (Ulster), A Trimble (Ulster); J Sexton (Racing Metro 92), C Murray (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster), M Ross (Leinster); P O’Connell (Munster, capt), D Toner (Leinster); P O’Mahony (Munster), C Henry (Ulster), J Heaslip (Leinster). Replacements: S Cronin (Leinster), J McGrath (Leinster), M Moore (Leinster), D Tuohy (Ulster), T O’Donnell (Munster), I Boss (Leinster), P Jackson (Ulster), F McFadden (Leinster)

Reddan out and now it looks like McCarthy and Fitzgerald joining him. One would imagine that means Henderson on the bench with maybe McFadden in the starting XV or 23 at least.

mary hinge wrote: Precisely Salmson!
I would've thought Marmion was like-for-like for Reddan and Boss same for Murray.
Beginning to wonder if Schmidt is as smart as everyone talks him up to be.

I think that Marmions brief cameo for the wolfhounds showed up a slight flaw in his game.

box kicking the ball to the opposition 6 pts up and 2mins was a huge tactical error. cant make those errors in Int rugby.

His day will come, prob later this year in the autumn ints.

Scotland XV: Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland, Alex Dunbar, Duncan Taylor, Sean Lamont, Duncan Weir, Greig Laidlaw, Ryan Grant, Ross Ford, Moray Low, Tim Swinson, Jim Hamilton, Ryan Wilson, Kelly Brown, David Denton.

Boss rotates with Reddan at Leinster and knows the system that Schmidt is implementing. So it makes sense at this short notice to go with the multi-capped experienced Boss. Marmion will get his chance but injuries aside it will most likely be this summer againste Argentina injuries and form permitting.