Lowe show a high point for Ireland with Scotland clash looming

This time last year James Lowe was unceremoniously dumped from Ireland's Six Nations squad and told to go and work on his defence.

He’d racked up six caps since making his debut against Wales in November 2020, but still had a lot to learn about life at the top of international rugby.

Recalled last summer, the Leinster wing was one of the stand-out performers in the autumn wins over Japan, Argentina and his native New Zealand, against whom he scored the opening try and came up with a late defensive play to seal the victory.

Ireland star James Lowe tells @RTEsport about THAT tackle against @allblacks #IREv NZL #RTERugby #RTESport pic.twitter.com/yackpCYtUV

A hamstring injury suffered in Leinster training just ahead of the championship ruled him out of the opening two rounds but he returned to score twice against Italy and saw off competition from Connacht’s Mack Hansen, who had earned his first three international caps in the opening rounds, to keep his spot for Twickenham.

That was his 11th cap and he celebrated with the first try, carried 13 times to make 209 metres, breaking five tackles along the way.

He was responsible for the concession of two penalties against 14-man England but his influence and importance to the team was evident throughout.

The "crazy" nature of the game, which ended 32-15 to Ireland, meant that Lowe could only agree with the assertion that there was as much relief as elation after the final whistle.

"Yeah, that's a good way to put it," said the 29-year-old. "We put ourselves under a bit of pressure but don't get me wrong, England are a fantastic side.

"We knew that if we just stuck with what we knew, played rugby, played the space early, we could put them under pressure.

"The red card to the letter of the