Andy Farrell straight-batted a question about this version of the Scotland team being the toughest Ireland have faced in recent times, but deep down he'll know it to be true.
Buoyed after backing up their success over England with a comprehensive victory over Wales, which meant back-to-back opening wins for the first time in the Six Nations, Gregor Townsend’s side, upon reflection, will still have taken much from the 32-21 loss to France last time out.
Dark Blue confidence will be high with a Triple Crown, for the first time since 1990, on the line and victory on Sunday will put them right in the mix for the title, with Italy the visitors to Edinburgh on the final day.
Ireland have won their last seven games in a row against the Scots.
"I think they've always been a really tough side to break down," said head coach Farrell, whose side lead the standings with 15 points from their three games to date.
"The proof is in the history of that. You name me a game where they've not been confident going into a game against Ireland.
"Rightly so really, because we've always had ding-dong battles with them. It's always been really tough and this is no different, is it? So both sides are used to that.
"Anyone who watches the Scottish game at this moment in time, they realise they play with pace onto the ball, they’ve got a nice flow into how they galvanise the backline together the whole time.
"The forwards are pretty physical, the breakdown’s always very contested.
"So, yeah, they’re in good form. Again, I’m sure they’re confident going into what is a huge game for them and a massive game for us also."
Farrell has made six changes to his side for the trip to Murrayfield, where inclement weather is forecast.
Captain Johnny Sexton, Tadhg Furlong and Garry Ringrose return from injury, while Dan Sheehan, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony (below) are promoted from the bench.
O’Mahony’s inclusion means that Caelan Doris reverts back to number 8 after starting against Italy at blindside wing forward.
"Caelan’s a world-class number 8 and he’s on fire in that position," said the former England international.
"Not necessarily, no," he replied when asked if the Leinster forward could express himself better at the back of the scrum.
"I think people can think too much into that because you change the way that you play to make sure the personnel are able to be themselves anyway.
"So no, Caelan plays well whether he’s at 6 or 8 but I think this balance is the right one for this game.
"[Peter] wasn’t left out last time, he definitely wasn’t left out.
"It’s the same for the rest of the squad.
"The best compliment that I can give everyone who’s involved in the squad is that we’ve been outstanding in training this week and there’s only one reason that we’ve prepared so well is that everyone has mucked in.
"Everyone has a role to play to make sure that this team is prepared the best it can be so on that basis...this has always been about the squad and everyone realises that."
Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch live coverage of Scotland v Ireland (Sunday 3pm) on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app, or listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
