The Ireland squad completed their preparations for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations encounter with Scotland, taking part in the Captain’s Run training session at Murrayfield this afternoon.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, both Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll and head coach Declan Kidney said that the players are bracing themselves for another tough day at the office against Scotland.
“It’s the same as I always see it against Scotland, particularly at Murrayfield. Very tough, very physical, uncompromising. A tight game,” O’Driscoll said.
“I think I’ve played here three or four times for Ireland and it’s always been tough. Scotland are always tough, people probably don’t give them the credit that they deserve. They always make it really hard for you.”
Ireland needed two late penalty goals from Ronan O’Gara to earn a 19-18 win over their last Championship visit to Murrayfield.
That victory saw O’Driscoll lift the Triple Crown trophy but all talk of possible silverware this year has been brushed to one side.
“People don’t realise the difficulties of a Test match and how hard it is to break down teams and Scotland are a team that live with any opposition right to the death,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kidney insisted that his side will have to work hard for their points against Scotland as the hosts’ defence is an area they are particularly strong in.
“We’re going to have to play smart. Their defence is getting better,” he said.
“They conceded no tries against Italy, in the match before that it was just one and before that (against Wales) it was the sin-bin that was the difference.
“This is only my first year, but these matches don’t get easier.”
Click here to view photos from the Captain’s Run training session at Murrayfield.
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