Scotland looking for consistency in performance against Ireland

Scotland forwards coach Dan McFarland insists their stunning Calcutta Cup victory over England will mean nothing if they do not back it up against Ireland.

The Scots claimed their first win over the Auld Enemy since 2008 with a brilliant performance at Murrayfield on Saturday, scoring three tries to one in a 25-13 victory.

It was a sweet moment for the coaching staff after seeing their side stumble in the early rounds of the Six Nations – including a humiliating 34-7 defeat to Wales – but they face another challenge when they travel to Dublin next week.

Following their defeat in Cardiff, there was doubt over whether Scotland could produce their best rugby in high-pressure matches, but they disproved that against England and must now put an end to a dismal away record in the competition which boasts just six wins since it was expanded in 2000.

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‘A good team’

McFarland, one of Gregor Townsend’s assistants, is well aware of the need to move on from the England game if they are to become the side they believe they can be.

“We consider ourselves to be a good team,” he said. “If you believe in what you are capable of doing the pressure is on you to go out and produce that consistently.

“If you want to demonstrate to people the quality of your team, you have to do it consistently.

“The victory is great and we really enjoyed that and it will be a good memory for us to keep but it moves on.

‘Preparing for Ireland’

“We are preparing for Ireland now, that is the next step.”

To some, the win over England was no great surprise given the brilliant form they showed in the autumn internationals.

After beating Samoa, Scotland ran New Zealand close before inflicting a punishing defeat on Australia to raise hopes of a potential title this winter, before that came crashing down against Wales.

Saturday’s victory proved that on their day Scotland are capable of beating anyone, but McFarland admits the pressure is on themselves to play to that level on a consistent basis, starting with Ireland next week.

He said: “Do we have a point to prove? Yes we have a point to prove every time we play.

“We consider ourselves to be a good team, but you have to play to that level every week and it doesn’t matter who the opposition is.

“It just so happens that the opposition coming up is Ireland in Dublin, and that is a formidable task.

“They demonstrated over the last number of years how strong they are at home, their record is phenomenal and they provide a brilliant challenge for us.” – ( PA)