Analysis: I'm surprised by the vitriolic outbursts that accompanied a statement I made in a previous column, writes Matt Williams.
The context was clear to me but has been misinterpreted by others. I'm not looking to claim credit for Scotland's resurgence or in any way steal Frank Hadden's thunder as I have been accused of in some quarters.
The point I wanted to make was there are no overnight successes in sport and that the processes for the development of Scottish rugby were put in place more than two and a half years ago. The irony is when I arrived in Scotland I ventured they could reach the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup. I wasn't relentlessly negative in terms of my outlook. There is no doubt the players have raised their game under the present regime and improved their work ethic. I'm not looking to claim responsibility for laying foundations but nor am I content to be vilified.
There is a touch of my detractors protesting too much. Take the example of Dan Parks. I was pilloried when I introduced him to the team, one former Scottish international describing Parks as the worst player ever to pull on the Test jumper. There was a campaign to get him out and now he's a hero. He's not the same player as he was then because he's worked hard in the interim.
Two years ago in the corresponding game Hogg, McLeod, Kellock, Cusiter, Parks, Lamont, Smith and Southwell had just been capped or were yet to make their debuts. The Scots played with many trembling hands for a long time until the players got experience.
I recently attended a talk given by a man who played for Hungary at the Olympics and won a gold medal in water polo and then guided Australia to gold at the Sydney Olympics. He was asked how long it takes to transform a team into a successful outfit. He ventured the process took three to five years and it had taken him four with the Australian team.
Ireland are reaping the benefits of five years' hard work with everyone working to the same goal. Scotland are about two and a half years down that track. Some people also took umbrage with the points-scoring system I advocated in which the Scots would be ranked last rather than tied on points with England, France and Ireland. What I was looking to emphasise is that with a bonus-point system - points awarded for scoring four tries or losing by less than seven points - it would encourage teams to be more adventurous. Teams would have to take a few risks.
Brian O'Driscoll correctly opted for shots at goal against Wales but with the bonus-point system teams would have to focus further than simply winning games. This would generate more excitement on the terraces.
Scotland and Ireland present opposite ends of the spectrum. The Scots, for the first time in years, are imbued with self-belief, boast the support of a nation and will arrive at Lansdowne Road with zero to lose and everything to gain.
Ireland are an extremely talented team who if defeated have everything to lose. The majority of their supporters think they have underachieved and also that there is no way they should lose. Ireland are capable of winning a championship, a Grand Slam, a World Cup quarter-final but only if they start to play to their potential. They are not playing to their potential, they are not playing attractive rugby and that is frustrating for the Lansdowne Road crowd. The team need to reignite that vocal support. Ireland set their own standards and if they meet them they could win by a substantial margin.
England and France were poorly prepared mentally for the Scots and if Ireland follow suit they will be in big trouble. Scotland's defence has been inspired, proving a tough nut to crack. Scotland are using Edinburgh's tactics. The width game is comfortable for the Scots but they are not going forward. The only tries they have scored have been from mauls and Chris Paterson's intercept against Wales. This will not beat Ireland. They need to score more than 25 points to beat Ireland at home.
They have a strong maul, the best passing centre in that neck of the woods in Marcus di Rollo and Park's kicking game. Their attack is lateral and not enough go-forward so a fast-moving field-width defensive line will stop it. Niall O'Donovan (forwards coach) will be an important figure in trying to counter the Scots' maul before it starts. Ireland must also challenge their lineout in the air.
The home team need to be more aggressive in defence, make the tackle on their terms and be patient in possession. It's about physical and tactical pressure. Scotland have discovered the X-factor and are playing for each other. Ireland are still looking, trying their hearts out but not gelling.
If they get it right Ireland will win in emphatic fashion. I expect it to be close with Ireland pulling away about 15 minutes from time.
