Ireland set for 'hell of a challenge' in Murrayfield warns boss Simon Easterby

Simon Easterby is relishing a "hell of a challenge" in Murrayfield after defending champions Ireland stormed back to claim a bonus point Six Nations first round victory over England.

Ireland trailed 10-5 to the fired-up visitors at the break but, with the help of their bench bomb squad, the hosts overpowered the Red Rose in the second half at the Aviva Stadium.

"It sets us up for what will be a hell of a challenge in Murrayfield," interim boss Easterby declared, after Ireland followed Scotland's home win over Italy in earning early championship momentum.

"It's never easy going there, they're coming off the back of a win as well. We need to make sure we get better at the things we know we can - it's important we don't deviate too far away from what's worked for us this week.

"It's an important place to get a result, it's somewhere where we've had a little bit of success in the last few years but it's going to be incredibly tough.

"Up until the last couple of minutes, defence was OK. We know we need to be better next weekend."

Easterby is enjoying the task of guiding the team in the absence of Andy Farrell, who was in the stands on Lansdowne Road but is British and Irish Lions duty until after the summer.

"The players have made it easy, the coaching staff and management, all the backroom have made it incredibly easy," Easterby admitted. "It's important that we got off to a good start and we did that.

"It wasn't perfect and we'll need to get better but yeah, really pleased. It's important that we kick on.

"We haven't seen him (Farrell) yet but I'm sure we'll catch up with him later. He's been a great support, to be honest, and he'll continue to do that along with the Lions role."

Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy are available after injury next week - and Furlong's return is timely as his replacement Finlay Bealham came off with a leg injury.

"We're still unsure what it was or what it is that happened to him," Easterby said. "He's moving around OK in the changing room.

"There's a few battered and bruised bodies so there's a few guys we need to check up on, but having those two in the mix will be great. We'll get back together on Monday and find out who's available."

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