O'Sullivan expects rough ride

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan admits tomorrow’s final World Cup warm-up clash with Scotland at Murrayfield will provide the toughest test for his players.

The Irish have already comprehensively beaten Italy and easily disposed of the Welsh in their two previous matches.

However, O’Sullivan, whose team recorded an impressive 36-6 win against the Scots in February this year, anticipates a more demanding encounter.

Ireland’s highest win against Ian McGeechan’s side was their first at Murrayfield since 1985.

And O’Sullivan hopes they can repeat that feat but realises it will be extremely difficult against a side looking to restore some pride.

He said: “I expect this will be the toughest warm-up game out of the three we have played so far.

“I know Scotland were disappointed with their game against Wales last week that they didn’t quite hit the ground running.

“We want this to be a good send-off to the World Cup and we are certainly expecting a very difficult game, as you always get at Murrayfield.

“I think it is a factor that our history at Murrayfield is not very good.

“But the last performance was a very good one and we would like to do the same again.

“The game is the last chance for the Irish players to impress before the squad for the World Cup in Australia is announced.

Ireland fly back to Dublin tomorrow night and O’Sullivan will announce his squad tomorrow morning – and he admits it is a task he is not looking forward to it.

He explained: “It is going to be very hard to tell players they are not going to the World Cup – I’m certainly not looking forward to that part of the job.

“We have to be realistic and everyone is looking towards that.

“The game is a very important one because there will be players who want to make sure they get picked to go to Australia.

“I’m sure it is the same for the Scottish boys as it is the Irish boys.”

Despite Scotland’s dismal defeat at the hands of the Welsh last weekend a large home support is expected to fill the stadium.

And O’Sullivan admits the crowd can play a big part in determining the outcome of the game.

He said: “If they get a full house at Murrayfield the crowd will be a huge factor.

“We have had some of our worst performances here in green shirts.”