Gregor: I must end hoodoo
Scotland v Today, 3pm
Ireland
GREGOR TOWNSEND says Scotland must show their ruthless side to finally end their barren run against bogey team Ireland today.
The Scots have won just once in their last 10 meetings with the Irish, losing all five since Townsend took charge.
He has collected some impressive scalps in his four-year reign as Scotland head coach with England, Australia, Wales and France all beaten.
But Townsend knows his players can ill-afford to pass up further opportunities against Ireland at Murrayfield.
Townsend, whose side have not played in a month after their meeting with France was called off because of a Covid outbreak in the French camp, said: “Two years ago, we played very well in the first half at Murrayfield.
“And the two we’ve played in Dublin, parts of the game have gone our
way. It’s going to be a real physical contest.
“We know Ireland will have time in our 22 and we’ve got to make sure they don’t come away with points on a regular basis.”
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell feels that the mindset of his squad will be vital to maintaining the stranglehold over the Scots.
He said: “We need to make sure we turn up with the right attitude and if you don’t, you get burnt, it’s as simple as that.
“When you turn up against a very good side – with how Scotland are playing at this moment in time – with anything but the right attitude then there’s no doubt you are going to come away with a loss.
“From what I have seen so far this week – and, hopefully, we keep building that – we’ll be brimming come kick-off time.”
ZAK HARDAKER admits he’ll be embarrassed when his young son finds out about his chequered past.
But the former bad boy of Super League insists that in future he’ll definitely be adding no fresh horror stories for baby Abel to eventually find out about.
The Wigan and Great Britain centre said: “I cannot be messing about in the next five to seven years of my career because that would have a massive impact on Abel’s future.
“He has changed my whole ethos and mindset. I was a bit selfish in the past but things have totally reversed – everything I do now is for Abel and my partner Elisha.”
Hardaker was banned for 14 months after testing positive for cocaine in 2017 and also has a huge rap sheet that includes homophobia, assault and drink problems.
The 29-year-old admits it will make uncomfortable reading when his threemonth-old son finally learns about Dad’s past. Hardaker said: “I have thought about it, when he’s at school with his mates and he Googles me.
“But it happened, and there’s nothing I can do to change it. It is how I try to live my life now that matters. Some of the stuff he’ll read about isn’t great and I regret some things that happened, but I have moved on.
“I will speak to Abel about it and make sure he understands.”
Hardaker has thrived, on and off the pitch, since Wigan put him through rehab and offered him a deal three years ago.
But he added: “I’m still having to work on my personality, though Elisha is great for me. We have never been as happy as now.”
Wigan, who play Salford away in a friendly today, open their Super League campaign at newcomers Leigh on Friday, March 26.
Hardaker added: “It will probably take teams four or five weeks to find a groove.”
Huddersfield take on Leeds and Hull KR face Castleford in today’s other all-Super League friendlies.
EXCLUSIVE BY SIMON MULLOCK FORMER Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa believes Wayne Rooney is destined to return to Old Trafford as the Reds boss.
Kagawa, 31, said: “I hope
Rooney will be successful and eventually become manager.
“He definitely has the personality, the experience and record for it.
“Wayne was the player I most wanted to play with when I joined
Manchester United. And, on the pitch, he fought harder than anyone and he protected his teammates more than anyone.
“I played with many amazing footballers at Manchester, but Wayne was the best athlete.”