Flanker Chris Henry became the latest casualty this week, joining Gordon D’Arcy, Simon Zebo, Mike McCarthy and Jonny Sexton on the sidelines as well as long-term absentees Tommy Bowe and Paul O’Connell, while Cian Healy is suspended.

The injury problems mean Kidney has named the uncapped Paddy Jackson at fly-half – ahead of veteran Ronan O’Gara – in a side full of players who wouldn’t have expected to start a few weeks ago.

But despite the problems facing him Kidney is adamant there will be no moaning should Scotland heap more misery on Ireland this weekend.

"We see who rocks up to camp and we take it from there," said the coach. "You don't worry about who isn't available because their time will come. That's the nature of rugby.

"Usually you'll have 10-15 per cent injury rate. Last November we had 30 per cent injury rate. When we won the Slam we had a zero per cent injury rate. It is what it is now.

“We have made a conscious decision to just get on with things. The injury count speaks for itself. We will work with what we have."