I don’t think there’s any extra rivalry, but it’s definitely more on the Irish side,” said Gregor Townsend ahead of Scotland’s Six Nations clash with Ireland. “I think teams want to build up something to provide extra motivation so maybe it’s more on the Irish side or the Irish media side that there’s this rivalry or needle to give them extra motivation on why they want to win again.

Ireland began their bid for a record third successive Six Nations title with a 27-22 win over England in Dublin, while Scotland demonstrated admirable resolve to beat Italy 31-19 in Edinburgh after the Azzurri drew level at 19-19.

Gregor Townsend says he does not view Scotland's Six Nations showdown with Ireland on Sunday as a "needle game", and insists ending a 10-match losing run to the Irish provides no extra motivation.

The Scots have lost each of their last 10 meetings against the Irish in a run stretching back to February 2017.