Darge confident Scots can handle the pressure and end Ireland supremacy 

IN THE MIDDLE: Max Williamson, Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson during Scotland Rugby Captain's Run, Scottish Gas Murrayfield last week. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Rory Darge believes Scotland are primed for the pressure of 'Super Saturday' after showing they can handle playing must-win rugby since losing their Guinness Six Nations opener in Italy.

Gregor Townsend's resurgent side go into their final match in Ireland knowing victory could secure them a first Six Nations title, if France slip up at home to England later in the day.

The Scots have kept their championship hopes alive with consecutive victories over England, Wales and France, and Darge is adamant those experiences will stand them in good stead for what promises to be a dramatic weekend.

"Our backs were against the wall after Rome," said back-rower Darge, alluding to the 18-15 defeat by the Azzurri in round one.

"I think Sione (Tuipulotu, the captain) had said in the press and to the group that you can't expect to lose two games and still be in the mix towards the end of the campaign.

"So for a while now, it's been win or you're not going to be in with a shout. Obviously to be in with any sort of chance this weekend, we'll have to win.

"It's massively exciting, no getting away from it. I've never been in this position before.

"I've played in a few Six Nations now and to be going into the last weekend with what's at stake, it's really exciting. But ultimately we just have to focus on the performance against Ireland and then come what may."

While the Scots' title destiny is out of their hands, they know a victory in Dublin would at least guarantee them a first Triple Crown since 1990. Darge said such an achievement would be "huge", given that Scotland have failed to defeat Ireland since 2017.

"I've not beaten Ireland before, they're a tough team to beat and they've been right up there as one of the best teams in the world," he said.

"Obviously we're fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Ireland are an outstanding team and our record against them hasn't been great so we know it's going to be difficult, but we've got to back ourselves.

"I think Ireland will pose a different threat to France. They're both top, top teams but they play a different style, defend differently. I think there will be things that we'll have to change, but there will also be a lot of our game that we'll stick to."

Flanker Darge ended up playing the closing stages of the 50-40 triumph over Les Bleus at centre after Huw Jones went off injured.

"It was a bit of a weird one, it was a bit hectic towards the end," he said of his stint in the midfield. "We had bodies out of position but I thought we managed it well. I had to get some help from the guys around me, but they all kept me right."

PA