Ireland: Simon Easterby wary of Scotland side who are ‘as good as anyone on their day’

Simon Easterby with an insert of Scotland players celebrating
Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby has issued a clear warning to his side ahead of their clash with Scotland this weekend, claiming they can be one of the best attacking sides in the world on their day.
Scotland haven’t beaten Ireland in any of their past 10 attempts, with their last win coming in 2017, however, they both come into this round two clash after wins last weekend and will be hoping to make it two on the spin.
Both sides also have serious title hopes this year, and a win would certainly dent their opponent’s aspirations in the process.
Simon Easterby issues warning ahead of Scotland clash
Scotland have undergone a huge attacking revolution since Gregor Townsend took on the role of head coach back in 2017, but have yet to turn performances into Six Nations titles.
But, Easterby feels his side need to be wary of the threat posed by Scotland, in particular with the ‘intent’ behind their attack.
“The last few years under Gregor, they’ve brought a huge amount of intent in their attacking play,” said the interim boss. “They’re a very good attacking team.
“Scotland have many threats up front but in particular out wide and in the back row, they’re a really strong attacking team. We need to make sure we’re better without the ball for sure.”
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He added: “The way they attack and approach the game is as good as anyone on their day.”
Townsend’s side overcame a staunch challenge in their Six Nations opener to beat a spirited Italy 31-19, but even in the tight victory, their attacking exploits were on full show. Huw Jones grabbed an impressive hat-trick, and elsewhere Darcy Graham proved to be a consistent threat out wide.
The introduction of Tom Jordan into the centres also upped the tempo, and the Glasgow man could very easily find himself there this weekend.
Ireland, though, also come into this weekend’s Test off the back of a solid 27-22 comeback win over England, and Easterby said this game will be ‘no different’ to the challenge that faced them last weekend.
“It’s going to be no different, in terms of the physicality, than what we saw out there for the first 40 minutes (against England).”
Defensive ‘focus’
As mentioned above, Easterby’s side had to claw their way back into the game after finding themselves 10-5 down at half-time. In the opening 40, England managed to find gaping holes in their defence, with the likes of Cadan Murley, Ollie Lawrence and Marcus Smith consistently breaking the line.
Things quickly improved after the break, however, their disappointing first-half showing leaves Easterby knowing the clear ‘focus’ for the week ahead.
“Defensively we conceded too much ground, they got behind us a few times,” he said. “We need to make sure we’re stronger on that side of the ball.
“That will probably be a big focus for this week.