Beware the angry Scots
Scotland may be winless and propping up the Six Nations table, but they are an angry and dangerous bunch.
Ireland travel to Murrayfield on Saturday knowing that victory could see them retain the Six Nations and become the first team to lift the Championship's new trophy.
However, Irish prop Mike Ross is wary of a Scotland side he feels has with plenty of threats – not least in the shape of a powerful pack and a dangerous back three.
Ireland may yet have to rely on other results, with England and Wales alongside them after three wins apiece and points difference likely to determine the champions.
But the experienced prop, Ross, is focused on what is in front of him – a Scotland team desperate to end the 2015 Championship with a win.
"We've been looking at them this week. They're a very tough team to get away from," he told RTE.
"They're very tough at the breakdown. They've got a big powerful back three. Stuart Hogg especially and they've got a combative pack.
"We need to focus on getting our game plan right and executing it well."
And Ross is no surprised to see those battle qualities from a side led by Scotland's Kiwi head coach Vern Cotter.
He added: "His teams have a lot of dog in it. They're aggressive at the breakdown. Have a good line-out and bring a lot of nous around the park.
"So, I don't expect Scotland to be any different. Joe [Schmidt] gets a glint in his eye when he comes up against his old boss [at Clermont].
"It would be a great achievement for the squad to win back-to-back Championships. But we want to focus on winning the game – anything else is a bonus."
Source: @rbs_6_nations
