Ireland urged to put pressure on Scotland rookie Blair Kinghorn

Ireland are chasing the Triple Crown

Blair Kinghorn, pictured, has been preferred to Finn Russell for Scotland’s Six Nations visit to Dublin (David Davies/PA) (PA Archive)

Assistant coach Mike Catt says it is crucial Ireland shut down Scotland’s rookie international fly-half Blair Kinghorn and do not allow him to “play the game in a dinner suit”.

Edinburgh man Kinghorn is a surprise selection for Saturday’s pivotal Six Nations game in Dublin, pushing the influential Finn Russell to the bench.

Having won the majority of his 30 Test caps at full-back or wing, the 25-year-old will make only his second start in his country’s number 10 jersey following some impressive club displays in the United Rugby Championship.

England World Cup winner Catt, who operated at full-back, fly-half and centre during his illustrious international career, believes Kinghorn is capable of doing some major damage to Irish hopes of clinching the Triple Crown.

“Listen, I’ve watched some footage on Blair and I think he’s a fantastic player,” said Catt.

“He’s got a running game, he’s very explosive, he’s got a hell of a passing game and, if he gets the time and space, his kicking game is exceptional too, he’s got a really big boot.

“We’d like to think we’re not going to give him that opportunity to sit back and play the game in a dinner suit, so it’s crucial that we do get after him.

“But, as a rugby player, I think what he’ll do for that Scotland team is massive. He’s a big threat for us.”