Tadhg Furlong: Fear of failure won't hold Ireland back

Tadhg Furlong says he expects Ireland to rise to the occasion when they take on Scotland in their Rugby World Cup Pool B decider in Paris on Saturday.

The pair clash at the Stade de France on Saturday night, with Ireland knowing a win or a draw would guarantee them a place in the quarter-finals as pool winners, while Scotland also need a win to stand a chance of sneaking through to the next round.

In certain scenarios, Ireland could lose and still advance to a last-eight meeting with one of France or New Zealand, but with their World Cup place on the line Furlong says there will be no lack of motivation.

"I think it brings the best out of rugby players," the Ireland tighthead says.

"It shows your mentality, it shows what you are about, it shows what the group is about. It shows a lot.

"The proof is always in the pudding in terms of how the match goes, and how you deal with the pressure. It's just about trying to get on.

"I think as a group, we are relatively experienced, and we have a good understanding of how we work and how the team works and how to get the most out of the team in these big games.

"We have played in big games before. So, now it’s just about trying to get your prep right and try to get your best performance out there."

Ireland are on a 16-game winning run, and have beaten Scotland in each of their last eight meetings, a statistic that only heightens the pressure and expectation.

And while other Irish sides in the past have struggled to deal with that weight, Furlong says this current side aren't burdened by the fear of failure.

"We don't set out to protect a winning run, or you’re not afraid of losing," he added.

"It’s not something we touch on at all. It’s just about starting each week at zero, and respecting the