Brave-hearted: Fans ready for ‘hostile’ Scots
IRELAND will be looking to bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to England – with thousands of supporters descending on Edinburgh for their crucial Six Nations tie.
The Green Army were already out in force in the Scottish capital yesterday, hoping to roar Joe Schmidt’s side onto victory this afternoon.
High winds are anticipated for the 2.15pm kick-off – which could result in an attritional game.
Despite emerging convincingly victorious against the Scots at the Aviva Stadium last year – a game which virtually clinched the championship – the team came unstuck at Murrayfield a year previous.
Last year, Ireland defeated Scotland 28-8, but in 2017 were beaten 27-22.
Ireland coach Schmidt said he was expecting a “hostile environment” at Murrayfield today.
Despite Ireland’s Grand Slam and Triple Crown hopes being dashed after losing to the English in Dublin last Saturday night, they remain in the hunt for the Six Nations title, providing they can win their remaining matches and England slip up at least once.
The Scots go into this afternoon’s clash having defeated Italy with a bonuspoint victory at Murrayfield last week, and are top of the table. Ireland sit in secondbottom position.
The team has come in for criticism in recent days after their first Six Nations defeat since 2017.
Schmidt launched a strong defence of his team, including half-backs Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton, who play together for the 51st time today.
“I think they are class players and class is permanent,” Schmidt said.
‘I think Murray and Sexton are clas s players ’