Preview: Ireland vs Scotland

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

This weekend head 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 which saw the proud rugby nation finish stone last in the competition.

Since being at the helm of Scottish rugby head coach Vern Cotter has brought a new dimension to Scotland rugby, which sees an attack minded game plan, which at times has seen the Scots play some electrifying rugby under the newly employed game plan.

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

After committing to Scotland rugby Cotter stated , “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 also added, “We take great pride in the honour that represents 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 doing pre-season for the past two months as they build towards the global showpiece at the end of the year and will be looking to build some much needed momentum this weekend in their first World Cup warmup match against their bitter Northern Hemisphere rivals.

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 Cusiters absence, Scrumhalf Henry Pyrgos has been named the captain for the match.

Scotland have left 22 players at in Scotland to continue pre-season preparations,  leaving a core of good players behind for this weekend’s Test match in Dublin.

Ireland under the leadership of inspirational captain and most capped backrow forward Jamie Heaslip (73 Internationals) dominated Wales, with the big number eight being rested this week with Hooker Rory Best taking over as captain for this weekend.

The underlining factor from the Irish victory last week was the injury of flanker Tommy O’Donnell who dislocated his hip and has now been ruled out of the World Cup later this year.

During the week Ireland leapfrogged South Africa into second position in the latest IRB World Rankings

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

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

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

Outside Centre Keith Earls would have been hoping he retained his postion after his performance last weekend against Wales but the 13 jersey is taken by that of former Canturbury Crusader Jared Payne.

Schmidt also has injury concerns over winger Andrew Trimble.

Schmidt also confirmed that he will trim his squad during this week before selecting his line-up for Saturdays clash. Wholesale changes were made by Schmidt for the match against Scotland.

Team Sheets:

Scotland:

15 Ruaridh Jackson  (Wasps)  

14 Sean Lamont  (Glasgow  Warriors) 

13 Richie Vernon  (Glasgow  Warriors) 

12 Peter Horne  (Glasgow  Warriors) 

11 Tim Visser  (Harlequins)  

10 Greig Tonks  (Edinburgh  Rugby)  

9 Henry Pygros (Glasgow  Warriors) -Captain

1 Ryan Grant  (Glasgow  Warriors) 

2 Fraser Brown  (Glasgow  Warriors)  

3 Jon Welsh  (Newcastle  Falcons)  

4 Jim Hamilton  (Saracens)  

5 Grant Gilchrist  (Edinburgh  Rugby)  

6 Blair Cowan  (London  Irish)  

7 Hugh Blake  (Glasgow  Warriors) 

8 David Denton  (Edinburgh  Rugby)  

Replacements:

16 Ross Ford  (Edinburgh  Rugby)  

17 Gordon Reid  (Glasgow  Warriors)  

18 Mike Cusack  (Glasgow  Warriors)  

19 Rob Harley  (Glasgow  Warriors)  

20 John Barclay  (Scarlets)  

21 Sam Hidalgo-­Clyne  (Edinburgh  Rugby)  

22 Duncan Weir  (Glasgow  Warriors)  

23 Matt  Scott  (Edinburgh  Rugby)  

Ireland:

15. Simon Zebo

14. Tommy Bowe

13. Jared Payne

12. Gordon D'Arcy

11. Luke Fitzgerald

10. Ian Madigan

9. Isaac Boss

1. Dave Kilcoyne

2. Rory Best (c)

3. Mike Ross

4. Devin Toner

5. Dan Tuohy

6. Jack Conan

7. Chris Henry

8. Sean O'Brien

Replacements:

16. Richardt Strauss

17. Dave Kilcoyne

18. Nathan White

19. Paul O'Connell

20. Jordi Murphy

21. Eoin Reddan

22. Paddy Jackson

23. David Kearney

Players to Watch:

Ireland:

Centre Gordon D'arcy on his day is a top quality centre, this could be Saturday.

Fullback Simon Zebo came off the bench last weekend but looked sharp, if given another opportunity this weekend I believe the Irish winger will have a great game.

Wing Tommy Bowe is one of Irelands best players, I expect Bowe to score a try or two in this match.

Hard number 8 Sean O Brian will lead by example as he always does. The work rate of O Brian is something special , I expect this to continue on the weekend.

Scotland

Eightman David Denton always seems play his heart out for the Scots, I believe Barclay will have a huge game this weekend and 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.

Prediction:

Scotland rarely win but they also rarely get thumped in International rugby, I feel Ireland will win this one but only by 10 or less points.

Previous Encounters

21 Mar 2015:    Ireland Won 40-10    Murrayfield, Edinburgh   

03 Feb 2014:    Ireland won 28-6    Lansdowne Rd, Dublin   

24 Feb 2013:   Scotland won 12-8    Murrayfield, Edinburgh   

10 Mar 2012:   Ireland won 32-14    Lansdowne Rd, Dublin   

06 Aug 2011:   Scotland won 6-10    Murrayfield, Edinburgh   

27 Feb 2011:   Ireland won 21-18    Murrayfield, Edinburgh   

20 Mar 2010:   Scotland won 20-23    Croke Park, Dublin   

14 Mar 2009:   Ireland won 22-15    Murrayfield, Edinburgh   

23 Feb 2008:   Ireland won 34-13    Croke Park, Dublin   

11 Aug 2007:   Scotland won 31-21    Murrayfield, Edinburgh   

Match Details

Saturday 15th August

5pm UK Time

Aviva Stadium

Weather: 17 Degrees Celcius , Clouds and Sun