BEST PLAN IS TO FOCUS
RORY BEST has warned Ireland not to let anything distract them from the task at hand against Scotland.
The 109-cap front-rower admits blaming the bus arriving at Murrayfield 15 minutes late for their 27-22 loss to the Dark Blues last year was just an excuse.
But captain Best insists lessons have been learned by an Ireland side that can’t afford to let anything stand in their way – not with the Six Nations title on the line.
Best said: “We must make sure we don’t let any distractions catch us.
“Little things, from a dropped ball in the warm-up to the bus breaking down.
“Last year we got caught cold. Getting to the stadium that close to kick-off was something really new to us.
“If something unfamiliar happens we’ve got to go back to our game plan.
“At the warm-up at Murrayfield we let things get away from us. And that is an excuse because we fought back to take the lead with 15 minutes to go.
“Then we just breathed a sigh of relief. Good sides like Scotland will capitalise.
“Something always goes wrong but you’ve got to be bigger and stronger than that.”
Beat Scotland and Ireland will face England at Twickenham on March 17 gunning for just a third Grand Slam.
Joe Schmidt’s side could even secure title this weekend if they end the day six points in front.
But Ulster hooker Best is focused on the tough test they face against England slayers Scotland today.
He said: “For us it’s only about the challenge that Scotland pose. It’s about the result. Whatever comes, comes.”