For Scotland, the potential rewards are tantalising: a first Triple Crown since 1990, a first win over Ireland since 2017 and potentially a first title since the old Five Nations triumph of 1999.
Triple Crowns have been more plentiful for Ireland in recent years (they’ve won eight in the Six Nations era), but they have no designs on losing the edge in this rivalry 18 months out from another World Cup dust-up.
Much of Ireland’s 11-win streak against Scotland has been built on fast starts and they have been a tough team to reel in at home in recent years. In fact, they are unbeaten in their past 30 Six Nations home games when leading at half-time.
Whether or not Ireland captain Caelan Doris knows that particular stat, he recognises the importance of not giving a confident Scottish unit oxygen early on after having seen how Townsend’s side can tear into teams.
“There’s no second chance here,” said Doris.
“It’s down to how we start the game, a fast start is going to be important again. [It’s about] taking it moment by moment and really attacking the game and understanding the win is the most important thing.
“There are bonus points and different permutations that come into it, but how we start is going to be important.”
He added: “There’s obviously a Triple Crown at stake against our good old rivals Scotland, so there’s a lot at stake and with that comes nerves and excitement.”
