Conor Murray says there is "zero" chance that Ireland will get caught up in their own hype ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup Pool B decider against Scotland.
Andy Farrell's men have enjoyed a perfect start at the tournament, with their thrilling win against South Africa in Paris just over a week ago leaving themselves well placed to top their pool.
While Ireland were enjoying a weekend off, both South Africa and Scotland eased to large wins against Tonga and Romania respectively.
A win of any kind on Saturday would see Ireland secure first place in the pool, but there's pressure on the world number one side to deliver, with Scotland knowing they could reach the quarter-finals at the expense of Ireland if they win and deny their opponents any bonus points.
Recent history makes Ireland a strong favourite on Saturday, having won the last eight meetings between the sides, the latest being a 22-7 victory in Edinburgh in the penultimate round of the 2023 Six Nations.
But Murray says while they've been buoyed by their win against the Springboks, there will be "zero" complacency this week.
"That's not just something we’re saying in the media. We’ve had huge battles with Scotland over the years, especially recently," the scrum-half (below) said.
"They’ve really developed their game and if you were Scotland, they said it afterwards, they were upset with the way they performed against South Africa, they didn’t show their best version of themselves.
"So, they’re in the Six Nations, we play them every year, we know how good they can be and we’re certainly not overlooking them. That might be the story outside [that Ireland are overlooking Scotland] but I can assure you it’s completely different here."
While Ireland can boast a dominant record in this fixture, Scotland have improved considerably in recent years and climbed to fifth in the world rankings before this tournament, and defeated France in one of their warm-up games.
"That's been one of our strengths over the last few years, it used to be an issue but nowadays I think we're a better side on top of that and mentally we're better equipped to go back to back in games."
And having worked with head coach Gregor Townsend on the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa, Murray says he knows how dangerous their attack can be.
He said: "Their attacking game will cause a lot of stress and it'll make sure we prepare really well, as good if not better as we did for South Africa. It's about turning the page now and realising we're up against a top international side that have an awful lot to play for.
"That record, I don't think it counts for much, the same with our record, having been on a good run of form coming into the World Cup. It's about what you're in now that you're in the competition. I expect them to really test us in every department."
"Backing up" a major win with another has been an issue for Irish rugby in the past, particularly at World Cups. In 2011, the high from their win against Australia was wiped out within a few weeks in the quarter-finals by Wales, in 2015 they fell flat against Argentina after a famous victory against France, and after beginning the 2019 tournament in style against Scotland, their campaign was turned upside down six days later with a loss to Japan.
The 34-year-old says it's something they as a team have taken steps to correct.
"I think you're right, before a good few years ago we'd get a good one-off win and then, whether it's November or whatever, and we'd drop off performance wise.
"We addressed it back then, being consistent and nowadays this team is really good at flipping the page.
"It's about being next moment, people are talking about what's down the line, the knockouts or whatever but within our four walls it's all about Scotland.
"We have a plan of where we want to go, but it's about doing the right thing now.
"That's been one of our strengths over the last few years, it used to be an issue but nowadays I think we're a better side on top of that and mentally we're better equipped to go back to back in games."
It helps that they have so much time to prepare for it. The position of their bye-week has been kind, allowing them two weeks to prepare physically and mentally after such a draining win against the Springboks.
"The longer you get to look at the opposition, scout them, and prepare your team and iron out a couple of things that didn't go well against South Africa, can only benefit you," he said.
"Outside of that, the coaches know how much is too much and got a really good balance between when to work you hard or give us a few easier sessions.
"This week was about review, reset and look at Scotland. We'd an intense session [on Saturday], day off now [Sunday] and feel fresh going into next week."
The scrum-half played just over 15 minutes off the bench in the win against South Africa, but earned huge praise for the impact he made in such a short space of time, particularly in defence where he forced a turnover and made multiple tackles.
It continues his strong run of form dating back to the final third of last season, but the 110-cap scrum-half says there's no great secret to his current performances.
"I'm enjoying playing rugby. Being in this environment, you've heard every player say it, it's a really enjoyable and competitive environment to be in. That brings out the best in you as players, and the coaching staff pushing us day-in and day-out.
"That's one element, and the other, going into pre-season and knowing there was the opportunity to go to a World Cup. I've been very fortunate to have been at a few already, but the chance to go with this group and this management and coaching set-up, I knew it was going to be really exciting.
"The potential there is really exciting too. That's probably something in the back of your mind that's motivating you to push on.
"I feel very good. I think having an opportunity to get a really good pre-season in has really helped and then the whole squad at the moment we're near full fitness in terms of players across the board.
"I suppose it's different to other World Cups where your role might be a little bit different by coming on and trying to either steer the ship home or make an impact. Right now I feel good and that's what you want to do, you want to come on and contribute positively to the team."
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