Preview: Ireland v Scotland

Ireland, coming off a comprehensive 35-21 victory over Wales last weekend in Cardiff, have been widely tipped as a dark horse to take the World Cup later this year -though the nightmare of the fancied 2007 Irish team at the World Cup should still be fresh in the memory.

This weekend coach Joe Schmidt and his men will take on the mighty Scots, who will be looking to gather some much needed momentum – after a poor Six-Nation campaign earlier this year saw the proud nation finish stone last in the competition.

Since being at the helm of Scottish rugby coach Vern Cotter has brought a new dimension to the Scotland game – a more expansive approach, which at times has seen the Scots play some electrifying rugby.

Earlier this week Cotter penned a new contract keeping him at the helm in Scotland until 2017. This shows he has the full backing of the board and that the overall process of developing Scotland is indeed heading in the right direction.

"There are some talented players with some things to develop, and together we are focused on facing that challenge in what I think are exciting times for Scottish rugby all over," Cotter said.

"We take great pride in the honour of representing Scotland and while it's pleasing to be in a position to plan longer term, our focus is absolutely fixed on preparing for the Rugby World Cup."

Scotland have been in pre-season mode for the past two months, as they build towards the global showpiece that gets underway next month and will be looking to build some much needed momentum this weekend in their first World Cup warm-up match.

This weekend the Scots will be without veteran scrumhalf Chris Cusiter, who has been given time off following the arrival of his first child. In Cusiter's absence, fellow No.9 Henry Pyrgos has been named the captain for the match.

Scotland have left 22 players behind in Scotland to continue pre-season preparations,  leaving the squad without a core of good players.

Ireland under the leadership of inspirational captain and most capped back row forward Jamie Heaslip (73 Internationals) dominated Wales, with the big No.8 being rested this week – with Hooker Rory Best taking over as captain.

The underlining factor from the Irish victory last week was the injury of flank Tommy O'Donnell, who dislocated his hip and has now been ruled out of the World Cup.

During the week Ireland leapfrogged South Africa into second position in the latest world rankings

This weekend Ireland can use this match as an opportunity to try out new combinations against an under-strength Scotland side.

Joe Schmidt faces a selection headache after his so called "reserve team" gave Wales a hiding last weekend.  

Although under pressure to select certain players Schmidt stated said: "This is the type of headache you want as a coach."

Outside centre Keith Earls would have been hoping he retained his position after his performance last weekend against Wales, but the No.13 jersey is taken by former Canterbury and Crusaders midfielder Jared Payne.

Schmidt also has injury concerns over wing Andrew Trimble.

Wholesale changes were made by Schmidt for the match against Scotland.

Players to Watch:

For Ireland: Gordon D'Arcy on his day is a top quality centre. Fullback Simon Zebo came off the bench last weekend and looked sharp. If given another opportunity this weekend he will be worth watching. Wing Tommy Bowe is one of Irelands best players. Hard No.8 Sean O Brian will lead by example as he always does. The work rate of O Brian is something special and should continue on Saturday.

For Scotland: No.8 David Denton always seems play his heart out for the Scots. He could cement his spot in the Scotland World Cup squad. Wing Tim Visser came onto the international scene with a bang , but has failed to really set the world alight since then. If Visser can regain his once seen form he could be one to watch.

Head to head: In a game that is effectively a trial for fringe players in both teams, almost every position will have a crucial face-off. However, Ian Madigan (Ireland) versus Greg Tonks (Scotland) could be a good pointer as to the depth of both teams in key positions.

Recent results:

2015: Ireland won 40-10, Edinburgh

2014: Ireland won 28-6, Dublin

2013: Scotland won 12-8, Edinburgh

2012: Ireland won 32-14, Dublin

2011: Scotland won 10-6, Edinburgh

2011: Ireland won 21-18, Edinburgh

2010: Scotland won 23-20, Dublin

2009: Ireland won 22-15, Edinburgh

2008: Ireland won 34-13, Dublin

2007: Scotland won 31-21, Edinburgh

Prediction: Scotland rarely win but they also rarely get thumped on the international stage. Ireland will win this one, by 10 point or less.

Teams:

Ireland: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Sean O'Brien (captain), 7 Chris Henry, 6 Jack Conan, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Dave Kilcoyne.

Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Michael Bent, 18 Nathan White, 19 Paul O'Connell, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Dave Kearney.

Scotland: 15 Ruaridh Jackson, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Richie Vernon, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Greig Tonks, 9 Henry Pyrgos (captain), 8 David Denton, 7 Hugh Blake, 6 Blair Cowan, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Jon Welsh, 2 Fraser Brown, 1 Ryan Grant.

Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 Mike Cusack, 19 Rob Harley, 20 John Barclay, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Duncan Weir, 23 Matt Scott.

Date: Saturday, August 15

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Kick-off: 17.00 (16.00 GMT)

Expected weather: Partly cloudy. High of 17°C and a low of 9°C

Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)

Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Marius Mitrea (Italy)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

By Andrew Howitt

@ARHowitt12

@rugby365com