Scotland v Ireland: Peter Stringer believes Scotland's kamikaze opening against Italy was a symptom of the game's over-reliance on structure. Italy pounced on three errors to amass a 21-0 lead inside the opening seven minutes at Murrayfield two weeks ago and Scotland never recovered, collapsing to a 37-17 defeat.

Scrumhalf Chris Cusiter threw two intercepted passes to emerge as the main villain but has been given a chance to redeem himself by retaining his place for today's clash with Ireland.

Stringer, who will line up opposite Cusiter, insists the start would have unfolded differently had Scotland not been so intent on implementing a game plan that should have been overtaken by events on the pitch.

"The second of Cusiter's intercepts was a lineout move off the training pitch that comes off beautifully when you're unopposed," he said.

"Come match day it can be hard to pick out where players can be and he was blindsided.

"It was unfortunate for him to have two passes intercepted like that. The game is becoming so structured and teams now prepare for every instance in training during the week.

"Sometimes things become too prescribed and off-the-cuff play has gone. That seemed to be the case for Scotland - they went through with the move for the sake of it when it was called.

"They went through the motions without analysing where the defence is. You have to look up and see where the defenders are and, if need be, then to hell with the pre-planned move - look for the space instead."

Ireland will complete their third Triple Crown in four years if they dispatch Scotland, with recent history and form pointing to a routine triumph for Eddie O'Sullivan's side.

Stringer will be among the nine Ireland players to have won all three Triple Crowns should his team prevail and the Munster scrumhalf insists it remains a coveted prize.

"Scotland can be unpredictable, especially at home. In the past we've gone up there as favourites but come away with a loss," he said.

"They've been unpredictable again this season, with a good performance against Wales but then throwing it away against Italy. For us winning the Triple Crown is still a special achievement. I grew up in an era of Irish rugby when there were very few Triple Crowns and not much success.

"Obviously we want to go one step better by winning a title and a Grand Slam but the Triple Crown is still a major objective."

Stringer made his Test debut against Scotland in 2000 and has been dropped just once since - against the same opposition a year later.

The Munster veteran is Ireland's second-most-capped player, with 74 international appearances, and given he is still just 29 he could yet become a rugby centurion.

"Being the most-capped player in tomorrow's team means a lot to me," he said.

"You really do miss out when you're not involved - like when I was injured against France - because you don't feel a part of it.

"I never take the foot off the gas because it could be my last game for Ireland.

"I never dreamed of this number of caps - it's a great honour.

"Reaching 100 caps is obviously a goal and a dream of mine. But it's a good way off."