Sweeping changes unlikely part of Ireland's plan to retain Six Nations

Given Ireland's plain sailing to round three, and the woes of Wales, there are calls to make Saturday's Guinness Six Nations trip to Cardiff the rotation game.

But the Ireland management, under the guidance of Simon Easterby, are cold and calculating, and as much as Andy Farrell created that family atmosphere in camp, there's unlikely to be sweeping changes to keep everyone happy.

The clinical way Ireland went about their work in Murrayfield was something to behold.

They refused to become embroiled in a contest, ignoring pre-match hype about Scotland being due a win, getting on the front foot early, playing what was in front of them and running out comfortable victors.

Scotland were expected to give the Six Nations champions a game, while Wales, who parted ways with head coach Warren Gatland last week, simply aren't in the same class.

And this Ireland team don't look built to give a sucker an even break.

Minor repairs around the edges is all Ireland need this weekend and while Easterby may make changes, they are more likely to be enforced or for a definite purpose.

The former reason may see captain Caelan Doris sit out with a knee injury, with Jack Conan a straight replacement. Such is Conan's form, Ireland would lose little in this switch.

However, if Doris is fit, he will have no intention of swapping out and breaking a remarkable run of 42 consecutive internationals.

Rónan Kelleher's name appeared in a medical bulletin yesterday with the hooker nursing a neck injury. When the next man in is Dan Sheehan, for most people the number one pick when both are fit, there's again nothing to be lost.

The props, Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham, are the starting point of a solid scrum, while Thomas Clarkson is earning valuable game time