Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton sets sight on Triple Crown

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said his side is determined to claim the Triple Crown as they face Scotland in the final round of the Six Nations at Aviva Stadium on 19th March.

Having already won games against Wales and England in the 1st and 4th rounds respectively, another victory for Ireland in the weekend's clash will see them clinch the Triple Crown for the first time since their 2018 Grand Slam triumph.

Barring the desire for Triple Crown, Ireland are also in contention to win the Six Nations title provided they beat Scotland and hope for the table topper France, who are yet to lose a game in the competition gets defeated by England in the final round.

“It is very special (the thought of lifting the Triple Crown). Once we had lost that game to France, we set our targets on this. It’s the only thing within our control," Sexton told Irish Rugby's official website.

“If we can get a win and we can do that, then we’re guaranteed a Triple Crown. For us then, that would be a good thing and then we sit back and watch the end of it (the Championship).

“We have to hold our end of the bargain up, we have to make sure we play really well. We need to perform on the big stage, which is where we’re at. We want to perform for the people that come and watch us.

“All our focus is on our performance, but it’s to know that if we do get it right and we get a win, that we’ve got a chance to lift some silverware in front of all those people.”

Scotland had a mixed tournament until now with wins over England and Italy but are at fourth place in the table following defeats to Wales and France but Sexton is wary of the challenge Gregor Townsend's men possess.

"Scotland are a team to be reckoned with. I know they’ve no Championship to play for, but that’s when they can be the most dangerous because they’ve got nothing to lose.

“They’ll want to finish as high up the table as possible, but also any time you play a game, whether it’s a November international or a summer international, a Six Nations game that doesn’t have something riding on it, it’s very special.

“You’re still playing for your country. You’re still representing a lot. We’re preparing for their best performance and they’ve got some outstanding individuals.”