Considering they started the Six Nations with a humbling 36-14 defeat by France in Paris, Ireland have done well to remain in the title hunt going into a fascinating climactic weekend.
After losing to Les Bleus for the second year in a row, Ireland bounced back to beat Italy in Dublin, although their celebrations were muted after they failed to secure a bonus point.
In the 42-21 away win over England, Ireland were at their devastating best in a performance that restored belief in the team’s potential.
And while last week’s victory over Wales wasn’t quite as seismic, it leaves Andy Farrell’s side facing into a Super Saturday Triple Crown shootout with Scotland (14:10 GMT), who also enter the final weekend with hope of pipping France to the championship.
Scotland have not won the Triple Crown since 1990 and last lifted the title in the final year of the Five Nations in 1999.
To end both droughts, they must beat Ireland in Dublin for the first time since 2010 and snap an 11-match losing sequence against their rivals that includes two World Cup games.
“It’s class,” Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman said when asked about there being a “cup final” feel to this week’s build-up.
“You come back into training together on Sunday night, Monday morning and you can feel the edge around the place. It’s a nice feeling. It’s where we want to be.
“The players and management group want to be part of these big games that have got real importance to them. There’s a lot of excitement, little bit of nerves as you can imagine and a good edge around the place.”
