Scotland yesterday reverted to the tried and trusted old hands of British Lions coaches Jim Telfer and Ian McGeechan to steer them out of their current crisis - and prepare them for the Five Nations match against Ireland in Lansdowne Road next Saturday.

Telfer, who retains his post as director of rugby, will take over the role of head coach vacated by the resignation of Richie Dixon on Thursday. Working alongside him, as he did so successfully in orchestrating the Lions' series victory over South Africa in the summer, will be McGeechan - although only in the existing capacity he is currently employed in by the SRU.

The new four-pronged coaching structure will be completed by two former greats of the Scottish game, David Leslie and Roy Laidlaw.

Telfer, whose emphasis will now switch to the national side, said he did not envisage himself undertaking the bulk of the hands-on coaching, however. "That," he insisted, "will be done by the three mentioned and other specialists we may decide to bring in."

Andy Irvine, who has been appointed chairman of the International Board in succession to Telfer, indicated that the 23-man squad for the Ireland clash announced by Dixon on Wednesday could change after the weekend. Irvine said: "They can modify the squad any way they want. They can add to the squad, they can delete it. It is very much up to them now."

Meanwhile, London Irish include their new signings from the southern hemisphere - New Zealand flanker Issac Feaunati and Australian lock Nick Harvey - for the first time in their 24-strong squad for the game at Sale tomorrow. London Irish, who have not won away from home in the English League since last April, have centre Ray Hennessy and prop Tony Redmond back in their panel.