Now thats a headline nobody expected before Ireland’s vital opening World Cup game v Scotland.

With Ireland forced into replacing Peter O’Mahony and Bundee Aki in the opening half, Joe Schmidt had to change his plans about his substitutions. He was forced to leave veteran hooker Rory Best on the field as having made 3 substitutions in the 58th minute he only had Niall Scannell left on the bench.

With Tadgh Beirne in the sin bin and Josh suffering from cramp, Niall came on at 7. The Last Dolphin man to play 7 on the Irish side was the late J S McCarthy.

The final scrum was an unusual, carrying an extra couple of stone Niall Scannell moved to 6. We are used to Rory teaming up with Chris Farrell, this time it was Niall & Chris at 6 & 7- a sight that will hardly happen again.