'Big games could bring the best out of Ireland' - Tadhg Furlong

Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong insisted that his side will not be weighed down by big matches as they look to face Scotland in the final game of the group stage at Stade de France on Saturday.

The game between Ireland and Scotland will be deciding the quarter-finalists from Pool B with Andy Farrell's men needing at least a bonus point to go past South Africa to the top eight. Meanwhile, Scotland will need to beat Ireland by 21 points or more to go past South Africa failing which the Springboks will join Ireland in the battle to the quarter-finals.

Ireland have never won a knock out game in the previous World Cups as they have never gone past a quarter-final but Furlong said the team is highly motivated to deliver in the ongoing campaign.

"I think it brings the best out of rugby players," he said.

"It shows your mentality, it shows what you are about, it shows what the group is about. It shows a lot.

"The proof is always in the pudding in terms of how the match goes, and how you deal with the pressure. It's just about trying to get on.

"I think as a group, we are relatively experienced, and we have a good understanding of how we work and how the team works and how to get the most out of the team in these big games.

"We have played in big games before. So, now it’s just about trying to get your prep right and try to get your best performance out there."