Six Nations: Ireland wary of ‘disrespecting’ Scots

Full-back Rob Kearney says Ireland must focus only on winning. Picture: Getty

Full-back Kearney claimed Ireland are not “massively underperforming in comparison to other teams” when it comes to try-scoring.

The Leinster star is adamant Ireland can still retain their RBS Six Nations title, with Scotland left to play in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Ireland can still record back-to-back championship victories for the first time since 1949 this weekend, but the title destination could again be decided on points difference.

Kearney pledged Ireland will treat the Scotland game as a Test match in isolation, rather than worry about what will be required to retain their title.

“If you look across the board at the other teams, I don’t think it is an area where Ireland are massively underperforming in comparison to other teams,” said Kearney.

“The amount of tries scored in this competition, right across the board, over the last four rounds has been quite minimal.

“While it is frustrating a little bit that we are not scoring those tries, sometimes you have to look where the other teams are and if you can see there is a little bit of a trend, it eases that frustration a little bit.”

Kearney admitted securing a second straight Six Nations title would confirm Ireland’s place in history for all time – but said that is as far as any thoughts of rewriting the records books will stretch this week.

“History and records are always very nice: once you have achieved something it is there in the history books for life but we can’t focus at all on those things,” said Kearney.

“It is hugely important that we are focused on this one 80 minutes and whatever happens outside that will happen.

“We won’t be talking in any way about history books over the coming days.”

Wales beat Ireland at their own game in Cardiff on Saturday, dominating the aerial battle before easing home through Scott Williams’ try.

Wales coach Warren Gatland put one over compatriot and Ireland coach Schmidt, but Kearney rejected the notion of any negative thoughts permeating the squad.

Kearney warned Ireland any focus on the points-difference title race would “disrespect” Scotland, who are battling to avoid the Wooden Spoon.

“Without a doubt,” said Kearney when asked if Ireland can still claim the title. “We need some things to go in our favour but winning this game is much more the focus than winning the championship. If we win this game we are in with a chance of winning the championship.

“Whatever happens after attempting to win this game, will be.

“There’s no pessimism within the squad. I think when you lose games and you underperform, you’re going to get criticism and some of those are probably warranted.

“So I’m not surprised at the criticism but we’re fully aware of moods within our own camp and the main thing for us is that there’s no pessimism within the team room.

“The points difference is out of our control: we won’t be focusing in any way on the outcome, or points difference or anything like that.

“We have to be really professional and treat this just as a one-off game.

“As soon as you start talking points difference you disrespect the Scottish.

“That’s something we don’t want to do, and if we do you’ll be punished for it.

“We certainly won’t be thinking or talking about any points difference.

“We’ll be going to win the game, and however we do that and by whatever margin – be it one, two, three – that’ll be our focus.”