Scotland’s head coach Gregor Townsend during the captain’s run at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The Scottish head coach Gregor Townsend has been trying to convince the media all week that there is no animosity between his team and Ireland. I understand why he would try to push that narrative but I think it’s far from the truth.
In fact, if there isn’t a deep hatred of Ireland in his squad then he has a major problem. This fixture has been largely one-way traffic, in Ireland’s favour, since the Six Nations began. Scotland have only won four of the 25 games we have played in the tournament. Ireland have won the last 10 games between the two sides, our longest-ever run of victories over them.