Joe Schmidt has admitted Ireland could go for broke against Scotland if Wales thrash Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Head coach Schmidt has conceded Ireland cannot afford to dismiss launching an all-out attack at Scotland from the off at Murrayfield. England top the championship table on points difference and start the day as slight favourites, given they will know exactly what they need to do against France come kick-off to claim the title.
To gather an insight into the minds of the two sets of fans we asked UAE club rugby players from the respective countries to share with us their predictions and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
DOUGIE HORNE – DUBAI EXILES (Scotland)
It’s a big game for Scotland. They’ve been there or there abouts in almost every match. They’ll be disappointed having gone in at half-time leading England, and to come and not scored a point in the second half in Twickenham. I think it was ill-discipline and poor execution that cost us.
I think Scotland need to look at slowing the ball down at the breakdown. Ireland will attempt to turn us on the back-foot and use Sexton and Murray to put the ball into the corners and make it difficult for us.
We need to use Mark Bennett, Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour to full effect. If they attack the channels out wide, that gives us our best chance to win the game.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jonny Gray.
SCOTLAND LINE-UP: Stuart Hogg; Dougie Fife, Mark Bennett, Matt Scott, Tommy Seymour; Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (capt); David Denton, Blair Cowan, Adam Ashe; Jonny Gray, Jim Hamilton; Euan Murray, Ross Ford, Ryan Grant.
PREDICTION: Scotland to win by 2.
JORDAN EGAN – BELFAST EXILES (Ireland)
I think bringing Luke Fitzgerald into the team is a great decision. It brings some spark and it’s something different that the team needs.
I think Ireland have to keep doing what they’re doing, and be more accurate. They weren’t accurate against Wales. Their kicking was a bit long, which led to Wales’ dominating the aerial game. They haven’t scored enough tries therefore they need to up their game in that department in Murrayfield.
They have the talent so it's all about replicating it on the field and hopefully winning the title.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Johnny Sexton.
IRELAND LINE-UP: Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Luke Fitzgerald; Johnathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; Paul O'Connell (capt), Devin Toner; Mike Ross, Rory Best, Cian Healy.
PREDICTION: Ireland to win by 15 points.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Last five results
2014 Lansdowne Road: IRL 28-6
2013 Murrayfield: SCO 12-8
2012 Lansdowne Road: IRL 32-14
2011 Murrayfield: SCO 10-6
2011 Murrayfield: IRL 21-18
