Demanding O'Sullivan urges his players to stay focused

IRELAND'S fifth place ranking in the world game means the tag of favourites is becoming a more regular burden.

That was the case against Italy and will be as well against a Scottish side that has been in dismal form in this Six Nations Championship.

However, Coach Eddie O'Sullivan insists it won't impact greatly on or alter his planning.

"It goes with the territory. We are favourites based on form. It's the same kind of dilemma this week as it was last week, but a completely different one from Twickenham when England were expected to win.

"What we focused on last week was doing the key things that would get us across the finishing line and there will be more of the same this week."

O'Sullivan is demanding that his charges remain completely focused, especially given the mental and physical exertions of the past eight weeks. "It's been a long haul with a lot of work gone in, they all know there's a great opportunity this weekend to win a Triple Crown and I don't see fellas taking anything for granted."

Again he attempted to play down the huge level of expectation in the media and public alike.

"If they turn us over, it will turn their season around so there's a big carrot there for them. They've always been known as great party poopers, they react well to being underdogs. They deliver a big performance when people tell them they won't perform. They're a bit like ourselves in that. They won't have any fears of Ireland. They won't leave anything behind in Edinburgh and we can expect a full frontal assault."

Scottish coach Matt Williams knows most of the Irish squad from his Leinster days but O'Sullivan has also been doing a little homework on his opponents.

"When they were direct against France, they looked very good. They ran really hard lines, they didn't fiddle about. They have some good ball carriers. Bulloch, Taylor and White in the pack, Danielli in the outside channels. Going forward they looked quite dangerous.

"In fairness, they had France in trouble only to throw a pass to ground or knock the ball on. They could have caught France a couple of times. In that mind set, they could be difficult."