Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Scotland a dangerous opponent, insists Farrell
ANDY Farrell believes the chance to end a 34-year Triple Crown drought makes Scotland a major threat to Ireland’s Six Nations title bid, writes Ed Elliot.
Farrell’s reigning champions are on the cusp of retaining their crown and will do so this evening by avoiding defeat to the Scots or claiming two losing bonus points.
Gregor Townsend’s visitors, who have the slimmest of chances of snatching the title, will be desperate to bounce back in Dublin after being embarrassed by Italy last weekend.
While Scotland have not beaten rivals England, Ireland and Wales in a single championship since the 1990 Five Nations, Farrell believes they have a track record of toppling Test rugby’s leading nations.
“They’ve been consistent at beating big teams over the years and playing a brand of rugby that’s been great for everyone to see,” he said.
“When you’re disappointed, all you want is an opportunity where there’s a trophy on the line.
“And I know that as far as the Triple Crown is concerned, they’ve not won that for some time now and that makes them dangerous in our view. We’ve got to be ready for them to be as good as they’ve ever been against us.”
Ireland are chasing a tenth win in a row over Scotland, having helped eliminate them in the pool stage of the last two Rugby World Cups.
“We’ve been lucky enough over the last few years to get on the right side of victory against Scotland,” said Farrell. “But they’ve been tough battles and hard-fought games, and you’ve got to be on point to make sure you continue in that manner.”
Wales host Italy in today’s other Six Nations round five match. ■ Clifton could do Bristol rivals Dings Crusaders a massive favour by beating table-toppers Luctonians in National League Two West today.
Dings trail Luctonians by two points with five matches to play and would go top if the leaders cannot beat third-placed Clifton and they can themselves triumph away to mid-table Loughborough Students.
Old Reds host Chester, while Hornets go to Dudley Kingswinford.
In National League One, Taunton Titans have a must-win match at Leicester Lions, while Cinderford host the high-flying Rams.