Preview: Scotland v Ireland

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Blair Kinghorn during a Scotland men's team run at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on February 08, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

What they said

Head Coach Gregor Townsend said: “We were delighted to start the game – and the tournament – with what we set out to do. While there were moments when Italy wrestled back momentum, we found a way to win in what was a physical encounter.

“Clearly, Ireland have many outstanding players – some of the best in the world right now. Success at club level and success at Test level build a winning habit and a lot of belief in a squad. Coaching plays a vital part too. The squad they’ve got out this weekend is full of quality and experienced players who looked in good form last week against England.

“So many people would have watched Sir Chris Hoy win gold medals at Commonwealth games and the Olympics. He’s been a brilliant ambassador for our country and is such a great person. I can only imagine the difficulties he is going through right now so we feel a real privilege that he will be with us.”

The teams

The stats

• Scotland made the most carries (162) and gained the most metres (529) of any side in the opening round of this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations and were also the only team to concede fewer than 400 metres last weekend (381).
• Scotland (13/13) and Ireland (23/23) were the only teams to retain possession from 100% of their lineouts in Round 1 of this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations
• Scotland recorded a 58% share of possession against Italy in their opening Guinness Men’s Six Nations match, while Ireland recorded a 58% share of territory against England, with both rates being the highest of any nations last weekend.

The match information