Gregor Townsend urges Scotland to show their fighting spirit against Ireland

Gregor Townsend says Scotland have 'prepared really well' for the match against Ireland. Picture: SNS/SRU.

The Dark Blues got off to a terrible start in Japan as they slumped to a 27-3 loss in their pool opener.

They recovered to beat Samoa and Russia but  suffered a humiliating early exit as they crashed again to the tournament hosts.

The Scots will have the chance to avenge their defeat to the Irish tomorrow as they kick off their Guinness Six Nations campaign at the  Aviva Stadium.

But Townsend does not believe his team need to use their failure in the Far East as motivation for facing up to Andy Farrell’s men in Dublin.

He said: “I don’t know if we have a point to prove. The team have prepared really well, the intensity levels and communication in training have been excellent. Things have gone well, but we know mindset has a big part to play in high-level sport.

“We have to be focused, confident and prepared to do the tough stuff at the weekend.

“It’s a new team. We know the performance in Yokohama wasn’t anywhere near good enough but this is a new team. The players are looking forward rather than back.”

Scotland were caught cold by Ireland inside the  opening 12 minutes in Yokohama as James Ryan and now-retired Rory Best both ploughed over to score. And Townsend admits his side can’t be so slow out of the blocks this time.

“Ireland, out of all the teams in world rugby, make you  tackle the most. There will be high tackle numbers.

“It may change with a new coach, but we don’t think so, we think the formula will be the along similar lines. They have selected an  experienced squad.”