Ireland prepared for 'knockout rugby' against Scotland - Tadhg Beirne

Ireland forward Tadhg Beirne insisted that his side will be prepared for 'knock out rugby' as they face Scotland in the final round of the group stage in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

Ireland needed just a bonus point in the weekend's game to seal a quarter-final spot as they have 14 points from three matches in the competition while a desperate Scotland will need a victory by 21 points or more to make it to the top eight.

Having never won a knock out match in a World Cup previously, Beirne insisted that they will not take the game against Gregor Townsend's men lightly as they look to maintain their winning streak.

“We’ve spoken about the importance of the game. We’re essentially into knockout rugby now,” said Beirne.

“Against South Africa we had the same kind of mindset. There’s a feeling around the group that this is it now for us, we need to continue to step it up week on week.

“That is what we’re chasing, better performances every week, and that’s what we’ll have to do if we’re going to continue in this competition. That starts on Saturday.”

Beirne also lavished praise on Peter O’Mahony, who will be playing his 100th Test for Ireland when he steps on the field at Stade de France on Saturday.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s an incredible leader and an even better bloke,” said O’Mahony.

“He’s one of the most sociable guys around the place despite what people think.

“He’s always one of the last in the team room having a cup of tea with the lads and chatting away.

“He’s hugely liked within this group, and it speaks volumes of the man he is. I’m very excited and delighted to share a pitch on such a momentous occasion for him.”