Preview: Murrayfield mission next test for Ireland

Ireland make the trip to Murrayfield today bidding to keep their Grand Slam ambitions alive.

And while there's a Six Nations title also in the mix there’s no doubt where Andy Farrell’s side have their sights set.

They face an opponent that they have beaten in the last seven meetings and in 19 of 23 Six Nations encounters.

With a home game against a ramshackle England to come next Saturday, the number one ranked side in the world will feel this is their time.

Scotland, too, have skin in this game too. And plenty of it.

The hosts can wrap up a first Triple Crown since 1990 if they win and that would also put them in the championship melting pot with a home tie against Italy to come in round five.

Full-back Stuart Hogg will win his 100th Scotland cap and Murrayfield is sure to be filled with an expectant home crowd.

This time, however, the expectancy has a bit more meat on the bone: their fine win in Twickenham was backed up by a thrashing of Wales.

They’ll feel disappointed to have left Paris with nothing after being right in the mix until the death and having outplayed the French for long spells.

A settled pack is supported by a cohesive backline where centres Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu and wing Duhan van der Merwe are top of their games, and being ably marshalled by Ben White and Finn Russell.

The out-half, who is famed for his mixed-bag outings, had most carries (45), offloads (6) and try-assists (4) in the tournament coming into round four.

SCOTLAND v IRELAND: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Scotland will be without the suspended Grant Gilchrist but for the most part their house is in good order, especially compared to recent years.

They also know defeat will put them out of the race so motivation will not be an issue.

Gregor Townsend