"Well back in Scotland and the good thing is that the weather is much the same as in Ireland - Wet. So we won't have much bother with climate change.

"We came over yesterday (Thursday), checked into Dublin Airport at around 1.30. Marcus Horan and Frankie Sheahan were meant to help Ralla with the bags when we got off the coach but I think they were more of a hindrance than a help.

" Just heard that Paul (O'Connell) has been made captain now that Brian is not playing and we're all delighted for him. It was either him or (Anthony) Foley I suppose. Can't wait for his after dinner speech. Expecting a classic.

"Quiet enough time in the run up to the game. We have our usual schedule, it doesn't vary a lot from the Munster scene. We run through the moves, watch videos and that sort of thing.

"It's a blow of course to lose Brian and Gordon, they're top class, but we worked with that in mind during the week. They were doing rehab in the hope they'd make it but they didn't train so Kevin (Maggs) and Girvan were involved and so there'll be no loss on them.

"I have to say I didn't see the Denis (Leamy) being dropped coming. I thought he did ok against Italy and it was a surprise but that's the nature of this game and Johnny O'Connor would have felt disappointed to have been left out of that one. So maybe it is a question of horses for courses.

" I wonder what sort of course would suit me. Maybe Clonmel or Punchestown !