'It's the best Scottish team I've ever played' - Sexton

Johnny Sexton says he's fully fit for this Sunday's Guinness Six Nations meeting with Scotland at Murrayfield (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), and believes Gregor Townsend's side are the best version of the Scots he's seen in his career.

The Ireland captain has trained fully in the last week after missing the Round 3 defeat to Italy because of a groin injury, and is expected to return to the number 10 shirt when Andy Farrell names his side tomorrow afternoon.

The 37-year-old can boast a formidable record in this fixture; in 14 meetings with them he's been beaten just twice, and has never lost a Six Nations game in Edinburgh, having missed out on the 2017 and 2013 losses in the Scottish capital due to injury.

Scotland's hopes of a Grand Slam were ended by France in the last round, but Townsend's side gained big confidence from the manner in which they fought back from 19-0 behind, getting back within one score of the defending champions before a late Gael Fickou try sealed France's win.

And Sexton says they're a side that have made huge strides in recent seasons.

"I would say it's definitely the best Scottish team I’ve ever played," Sexton said.

"I think some of the results show that, beating England regularly, beating France a few times, obviously beating Wales as well recently, so they’ve had some big wins over the last number of years and they’ve been building nicely.

"They’ve brought in a lot of new players over the last couple of years as well which has made the team stronger. So, it’s definitely the best, yeah."

While Ireland could potentially be crowned champions with a game to spare on Sunday evening, there's plenty on the line for Scotland even beyond points in the championship table.

A win for the home side would see them