Scots look to rain on Ireland's parade
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Dougie Fife believes Scotland will have a big say in the destination of this year's Six Nations – despite heading into the final match of their campaign looking to end a run of four defeats.
Vern Cotter's side welcome title-chasing Ireland to Murrayfield and the Edinburgh wing is ready to do Wales and old enemy England – their rivals in what seems a three-way shoot out for the Championship – a big favour.
An encouraging set of November international results meant Scotland headed into this year's Championship in confident mood.
They pushed France and Wales before a last-gasp defeat to Italy and proved a strong match for England in Saturday's 25-13 Calcutta Cup defeat.
There aren't any points on the board but there is still plenty of optimism, according to Fife.
"It's another loss, so you're gutted but the England match was definitely an improvement and we're getting there," he said.
"We're looking for that complete 80 minute performance and that's what we need against Ireland.
"We started slowly against England and let them get control of the game.
"However, we rallied and scrambled and we were in a good place going in the second half."
Joe Schmidt's Ireland were edged out by Wales in a Millennium Stadium thriller that cost them their Grand Slam dreams.
But they've quickly reset sights on defending their title – their points difference is just four behind table leaders England, who host France at Twickenham.
"We're going in with our heads up, things haven't gone our away but we're still going to be confident," added Fife.
"This is a must-win game for us too and it's a big Test match. We're a really tight unit and that's something that's really exciting about Scottish rugby at the moment.
"Every player has to take responsibility for their own performance, look at it and work out how they can improve.
"Our coach says our strength is in our numbers, if we stay together as a group then we will win as a group. I thought we were much better against a very good England side but we're not quite there yet.
"We know what Ireland will bring, especially their kicking game, and we'll be prepared for it. If we can click through 80 minutes then we will be fine."
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