Six Nations: Scrum intensity has Ireland raring

Jack McGrath: Autumn debut. Picture: Getty

Leinster duo McGrath and Moore are set for bench duty in Sunday’s RBS Six Nations opener against Scotland in Dublin.

Fast-developing tighthead Moore is expected to win his first cap as a replacement, with experienced campaigners Cian Healy and Mike Ross the starting props. Ulster hooker Best will win his 71st cap, with Sean Cronin among the replacements and McGrath in line for just his fourth international outing if he joins the fray.

Best says Ireland’s forwards have had some testing scrum tussles in training at their Carton House base.

“When we’re training in the scrum now, if you don’t get it right you’re going to get done, which is exactly what it will be like on Sunday,” said 31-year-old Best. “And that’s important. It obviously brings competition for places, which is good for everyone, with these young guys coming through. There’s some real competition in training there now. From that side of things, it’s great to see, especially with their age profile too, these guys are young and have a fantastic future ahead of them.

“It’s important that they know now that this is just step one. Getting into the extended squad is just step one. And then getting into the match-day squad is step two, and then you’ve got to be looking to start and push to better yourself every time. That’s the attitude they will adopt, they’ve already given that impression, and it’s great for the squad. Competition for places drives everyone on and hopefully raises standards across the board.”

Moore has just 23 senior Leinster appearances to his name since his provincial debut in April 2012. The 22-year-old has racked up 18 of those in his breakthrough season, though, and secured a new Leinster deal, snubbing interest from the likes of Aviva Premiership clubs Exeter and Harlequins.

The Castleknock College and Ireland under-20 graduate is highly regarded in Irish Rugby Football Union quarters, and looks to have earned a first chance to impress under head coach Joe Schmidt.

Club-mate McGrath made his Ireland debut in the 40-9 November Test victory over Samoa, claiming man-of-the-match honours.

Schmidt is likely to make few changes to the starting line-up which lost out agonisingly 24-22 to a last-gasp try by world champions New Zealand in Dublin in November.

Luke Fitzgerald is expected to partner Fergus McFadden on the wings when former Leinster coach Schmidt names his squad to face Scotland today.

Ulster flanker Chris Henry should slot in for Sean O’Brien, who will miss four months’ action after shoulder surgery, and that could free up a spot on the bench for the uncapped Cardiff Blues loose forward Robin Copeland.

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