Kiss warns of Hogg’s ability to break a game open

Stuart Hogg's "lethal" counter-attacking will undo Ireland unless they shut the Scotland fullback down at source, according to assistant coach Les Kiss.

Kiss believes Ireland must guard against Scotland's "dangerous" back three through tactical accuracy in the Six Nations opener in Dublin on Sunday.

Glasgow’s livewire fullback Hogg can also operate as an auxiliary playmaker joining Scotland’s backline, leaving Kiss in no doubt Ireland must be “cute” to deny him time and space on the ball.

“Their whole back three is dangerous, and Hogg is back into form,” said Kiss.

“We know he’s a very dangerous player, particularly when he changes the direction of the game or if you kick loosely to him, because his counter-attack is lethal.

"And when you've got Sean Lamont and Sean Maitland working off him it makes him even more lethal.

“So there are some challenges there, but the one smart thing they do have, Hogg can also kick the ball long.

“So if you over-commit on kick chase and they suddenly kick at you, you’re under pressure.

“The back three is a deadly mix there, but also very smart, so we just have to be very cute about how we play them.”

Hogg may be a danger, but Kiss feels Ireland boast one of the world's pre-eminent number 15s in Rob Kearney.

“Under the high ball he’s probably one of the best in the world, and his running game is in fine fettle,” said Kiss.

“One of the keys is that he’s making great last-ditch tackles in defence and making good decisions at the back. I think he’s in a good place and hopefully that continues for him.”

Joe Schmidt's side must do without bullish openside flanker Seán O'Brien, with Ulster's Chris Henry primed to step in.

Expecting Scotland to create troublesome skirmishes at the breakdown, Kiss challenged the side to stay on the right side of the officials over the ball.

“Their backrow is relentless at how they go at the game: they will be trying to spoil us,” said Kiss.

“So we have a huge battle in that area, and one of the key things there will be discipline.

“Referees are looking for accuracy at the breakdown and around the tackle area.

“It’s important we maintain the quality of work we had in November, we were the least-penalised team on a game by game basis, our discipline and accuracy was good.

“We need to stay in that place because if you’re giving penalties away Laidlaw can kick them from anywhere.”