CJ Stander is hoping to conclude his maiden Six Nations campaign with a win and expects the battle of the back rows to have a big influence on the outcome.
The abrasive blindside flanker has been one of Joe Schmidt’s most consistent performers in a difficult campaign and has lessened the impact provincial team-mate Peter O’Mahony's absence through injury.
A man-of-the-match performance on his debut against Wales set the tone for a player who has been equally effective both with and without the ball.
A strong presence at the breakdown, Stander has won more penalties than any other player in green and also leads the Irish charts for most carries with 57.
Scotland coach Vern Cotter has recalled Ryan Wilson at number 8 to join John Barclay and John Hardie in a backrow that has won many admirers over the course of the campaign and the 25-year-old South African is under no illusions to the size of the task he faces on his fifth cap for Ireland (Saturday 5pm).
"The breakdown is going to be a lot more intense this week," he told RTÉ Sport. "You are going to have to look after your own ball.
"There was no space in front of me so I just put my head down"
"The poachers are not going to be there really for you. You are going to have to look after the ball because they have three good poachers in the back row. All of them go onto the ball and if you give them that opportunity they will take it.
"You are going to be on the back foot and you will be three points behind or close to your line defending lineout."
The 58-15 rout of Italy will perhaps be best remembered for a stunning team try that started in the Irish 22 and finished with Jamie Heaslip touching down, but a first international try for Stander will have a special place in the memory bank
"It was a good set move from the boys and they got close to the line.
"There was no space in front of me so I just put my head down to see how close I could get to the line. I was lucky there was a missed tackle on me and I got through.
"I was delighted with myself. I didn’t show it because I was tired."
Few, however, expect Ireland to be afforded the space witnessed last time out against the Italians.
Centre Duncan Taylor punished France at Murrayfield last weekend when he finished off a rapid turnover attack during the 29-18 victory and the Munster flanker expects the Scots to punish any inaccuracies from the home side.
"If you play against Glasgow and Edinburgh, you know you are going to have a physical battle on your hands. They bring a bit of offloading to the game also.
"There’s loose passes here and there that they scrap off and get the tries off."
With a tour of his homeland in the summer to come and a daunting autumn series on the horizon, Stander has a busy schedule to look forward to, but will allow himself time to consider a landmark campaign when the Six Nations comes to a conclusion.
"I'll probably have a bit of time off in the next couple of weeks and I'll be able to sit back and reflect on what's happened," said Stander.
"It's been an unbelievable journey. Everyone has made it easier for me to step in.
"I thought maybe I'd get into the group then try to get into the team, but that was massive to be thrown in straight away.
"That's the way I like it though, I like to be thrown into the deep end then just swim out of the muck.
"So I'm glad for that and glad Joe gave me the opportunity, it's been unbelievable.”
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