Scotland can threaten Ireland in multiple areas

An exciting and defining Six Nations encounter awaits us this weekend as Ireland travel to Murrayfield to take on Gregor Townsend's high-flying Scotland.

Scotland, despite their vast improvements, are going into a home game as underdogs (Sunday 3pm, live on RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and RTÉ Radio 1).

They would love nothing more than to use that tag to set the tone for what we would expect to be a passionate and dogged performance in Edinburgh, with sprinkles of Finn Russell magic.

Scotland are more than a team that relies on the mercurial talents of the Racing 92 out-half to spark their attack.

Stuart Hogg has the ability to create something from nothing, despite his lack of form compared to his usual standards.

However, it’s their centre partnership that will take the attention from the last few weeks.

Huw Jones scores his second try to put Scotland firmly back in this game with France. Watch on @RTEPlayer: https://t.co/CStwnXfA29 pic.twitter.com/TSt6MKr2Ml

Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones are in top form, combining for memorable tries against France and England.

Not only can both centres run hard and slip subtle passes to each other, Tuipolotu showed his kicking game is a threat with his assist for Jones' try against England at Twickenham as well.

The run, pass, kick threat of the Scottish centres will test the Irish defence.

Outside them, Duhan Van Der Merwe has stolen enough of the headlines too, and rightly so.

His marauding run against England will more than likely win try of the tournament but he is more than a one-try wonder. His physicality adds another dimension to the creative flair inside him.

A scintillating run from winger Duhan van der Merwe and an early contender for try of the tournament. Scotland lead England 12-5 at