Scotland centre Huw Jones: Ireland win 'the one we want'
Huw Jones has called on Scotland to prove they have developed into genuine title contenders by finally landing an elusive win over Ireland next Sunday.
The experienced centre scored a hat-trick as the Scots kicked off their Guinness Six Nations campaign by defeating spirited Italy 31-19 at Murrayfield on Saturday.
But Jones knows his side will need "a really special performance" if they are to end a 10-game losing streak against Ireland since they last beat them in February 2017, four months before current head coach Gregor Townsend took charge.
"Look, we've wanted this one for a long time and never quite got it, so it’s a huge challenge for us," Jones said of Ireland’s upcoming visit to Edinburgh (kick-off 3pm, live on RTÉ).
"They’re obviously a very, very good side. And they’ve shown that with all the results in the past – not just against us, but against a lot of other teams.
"We know it’s going to be a massive challenge. It’s a real cliche, but it’s the big-match temperament, that’s what we need to find within this squad. We’ve had it in games in the past but never strung it together. I feel like I say the same thing every year.
"Next week is a chance for us to show how much growth we’ve made. This is the one we want. I mean, they’ve had our number for years now so it’s time to front up and have a really special performance.
'We've got to be a lot better if we're going to do anything in this tournament'
Scotland Finn Russell acknowledges a loose performance but credits his side's defence in the closing stages as they overcame Italy 31-19 in Murrayfield #SixNations #SCOvITA pic.twitter.com/Nh7iXIQ7iQ
"You obviously don't want to say anything that is going to come back to bite you. I think we have an inner belief in our squad,