Paul O'Connell guards against complacency
PAUL O'Connell, who will win his 70th international cap on Saturday in Croke Park (5pm), has this week guarded against underestimating Scotland.
The lock forward has argued that Scotland's performances warrant more than a single point. Scotland, who have lost their last eight Six Nations clashes with Ireland, are battling to avoid the wooden spoon, but Andy Robinson's tight-knit squad did force themselves into winning positions against Wales, Italy and England.
"I don't care what anyone says, but Scotland are an unbelievably tough, very physical side to play against and I don't accept their position in the table does them justice for the way they have been playing," insisted Paul O'Connell this week.
Adding to the emotion of the occasion on Saturday will be the Irish team's farewell to the cathedral of Gaelic sport, Croke Park - Ireland have played their home games at GAA HQ for the past four seasons with a symbolic thrashing of England remaining an obvious highlight.
And, Paul O'Connell was keen this week to point out what it has meant to the Irish players to strut their stuff on Croke Park's hallowed ground: "It's been brilliant. We were very aware of the history and tradition of Croke Park and how difficult it had been to get to play there.
"We were very grateful to the GAA to be allowed to play there, conscious to represent (the sport) well there and to do well there.
"I think we have and hopefully we can finish well there at the weekend.
"The big one (memory) would be the first English game there, particularly after the French (defeat)," said Paul O'Connell.
"The anthems were incredible; very, very emotional for everyone involved.
"That would be the big standout moment."
If Ireland win on Saturday they will collect the national side's fifth Triple Crown in seven years. Ireland remain the only team who can stop France winning the Six Nations - Declan Kidney's men will hope that England can beat France in Paris and help bring about a 51-point swing in the points difference.
Last Saturday, in Ireland's 27-12 win over Wales, Keith Earls scored two sensational tries at Croke Park. And, Munster captain Paul O'Connell was eager this week to highlight the added dimension up-and-coming players like Earls bring to the party.
"They're young and enthusiastic and have no fear, absolutely no fear; they're willing to have a go at anyone with no respect for reputation," Paul O'Connell said.
"They're big boys, positive around the pitch and around the camp and in Keith's case I'm actually envious of the great career he has ahead of him," O'Connell added.
Ireland: Geordan Murphy, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Tomas O'Leary, Cian Healy, Rory Best, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Tony Buckley, Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Ronan O'Gara and Robert Kearney.
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Weather for Limerick
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
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