Murrayfield test will tell real tale for Farrell and Ireland after non-event in Rome

Jacob Stockdale of Ulster (left) and Max O'Reilly of Leinster compete for possession during the PRO14 match at Kingspan Stadium. Despite Ulster's defeat, Stockdale showed enough to put himself in the frame for key role against Scotland. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Tony Ward

Back in 1877 at the Ormeau Cricket Ground in Belfast, Scotland beat Ireland in the first of the 138 international matches played between them to date. On Sunday next in Edinburgh, we have only our second chance ever to edge ahead in this eagerly awaited fixture between Celtic cousins.