FORMER IRELAND CAPTAIN RORY BEST wants Ireland to remain mentally vigilant when they take on a confident Scotland side in the Six Nations on March 12.
Andy Farrell's Ireland are chasing a Grand Slam after three wins against Wales, France, and Italy, but face a stern test when they play Scotland in two weeks.
Gregor Townsend's Scotland side are not like the Scotland of old and have shown on more than one occasion that they are more than capable of producing an electric performance.
A statement win against England was followed up with an emphatic win over Wales in round 2. However, Scotland's Grand Slam hopes were ended by France last weekend, but they did give the French fans a scare in Paris.
'One for the history books!'
Absolutely. A truly sensational try from Duhan van der Merwe 🤯😍👏 pic.twitter.com/nQyjXH5ueP— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) February 4, 2023
Ireland head to Murrayfield in Edinburgh next and will not be at their best if they are to stay on course for the title.
Ireland have won 11 of the last 12 meetings. Ireland's last loss to Scotland was in 2017.
Best, who played 124 times for Ireland does not want this current Irish side to become complacent when the sides meet.
If they don't take Scotland seriously everything is gone," Best said on the Ulster Rugby Show
"If they don't focus, the Grand Slam is gone, and Scotland potentially have the upper hand going into the World Cup."
Ireland will also face Scotland again at the World Cup in France in Pool B.
Best also believes that Farrell's management style could be a key factor for the current Irish squad in the coming weeks.
"This current team are so confident in their preparation and comfortable in their environment. Andy Farrell is very good at making them uncomfortable at different times, so when they get to big moments and pressurised moments, he can then make them more comfortable.
"He was relishing people dropping out late as it makes others uncomfortable, but I would say now in the next couple of weeks, he will want to make it more normal so that when that pressure comes, they will be fully prepared" he said.
Ireland's game against Scotland on March 12 starts at 3pm
Before that there is United Rugby Championship action on this weekend.
All four Irish provinces are back in action.
Can Scotland make it a day to remember against Ireland on Sunday 12th March?#AwakenAnticipation | #SCOvIRE pic.twitter.com/2zGn0vh5ZT
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 2, 2023
