What Scotland need to do against Ireland- forwards

Scotland have a big test on Saturday, in both sense of the word. Lead by inspirational captain Brian O'Driscoll, on paper Ireland are arguably the strongest team in the Northern Hemisphere. After a disappointing 2011 6 Nations tournament, they will be looking to go into the World Cup on the back of strong performances against France and England, but first they need to get past Scotland.


Scotland also had a fairly miserable 2011 6 Nations beating only Italy, but they ran Ireland close losing by 18 points to 21 at Murrayfield. If Scotland can perform on Saturday and come away with a win it will be monumental in their preparation for their World Cup campaign. Scotland have announced their team for this Saturday's encounter, so how can the players make sure they do everything possible to upset the visitors?


Forwards


In the front row, Geoff Cross gains just his sixth cap, but his lack of experience is made up for by fellow front-row men Alan Jacobsen (55 caps) and Ross Ford (48 caps). These three will have to provide a strong platform in the scrum set-piece if go-forward ball is going to be available to Scotland. The scrum really is the most important aspect for the Scottish front-row and it will be apparent if they have done their work from the first knock on.


Jacobsen is one of the best running props in the game. He carries the ball extremely well, and is very effective in the loose. However, at times questions have been asked about his scrummaging, so his set-piece needs to be solid come Saturday. On the other hand, Ross Ford is solid in the scrum and reliable in his throwing duties in the line-out, but it would be good to see him offer more in the loose. Regarded as one of Scotland's strongest and most powerful players he needs to put these attributes to use with strong carries and big collisions.


In the second row Jim hamilton adds significant weight and bulk. Again, this could be put to more use, and he needs to be offer more of an abrasive presence and generally be a nuisance to the Irish. If he does this, it will also allow Richie Gray to make use of his effective loose play. Gray is a real talent, and as well as his lock duties he can be a real threat to defences. If Hamilton works hard and helps provide a  platform, Gray will also have the opportunity to be in a attacking positions. This being said,  the two locks must control the line-out. They must disrupt the Irish line as much as possible, whilst securing their own ball allowing for quality go-forward play.


The back-row consists of three different types of players. The tough, abrasive Strokosh must get in amongst the Irish, and do so for the entire 80 minutes. He needs to be aggressive and the enforcer at the breakdown, nullifying any potential turnovers from the Irish. He too needs to take advantage of his physical presence and carry and hit hard.


Beattie is a great ball carrier and good footballer, but has blown hot and cold in the past. As well as his ball carrying duties he must get involved in the rough and tough. he cannot afford to drift in and out of the game or have momentary lapses as the Irish will take advantage of this. If the set-piece is of good quality Beattie will be a real threat from the scrum, and he should look to get the ball in his hands as often as possible in the loose.


Rennie will be raring to go, and hopefully he can put in a performance which shows his true talent as an openside flanker. He needs to be an absolute pest at the breakdown. Even if the Irish are recycling the ball well, he needs to be there pulling, pushing and doing anything he can to disrupt their ball. He needs to be everywhere, and attempt as many turnovers as possible.


The forwards really need to take the game to the Irish and be as dominant as possible. Apart from Hamilton, the Scotland pack is not enormous, so they must outwork the Irish pack. Aggression and work rate are key, and each player not only needs to play their specific role, but take responsibility in the sharing the workload. Ross Ford's experience needs to be utilised, and it is vital he leads from the front and acts as the voice of the forwards. These players have a huge opportunity in putting their hands up for a starting place in the World Cup, so let's see who provides the goods.




What the backs need to do, to follow......