Sione Tuipulotu says Scotland ready for title shot

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu says the team’s difficult moments earlier in the campaign have strengthened belief ahead of their final-round Six Nations clash with Ireland, a match that could still deliver both the Triple Crown and a title challenge.

Sione Tuipulotu On Scotland Six Nations Belief

Tuipulotu said Scotland have grown through the setbacks and pressure of the tournament, describing the squad as a group that has “been to hell and back together.” He said that shared experience has built resilience and belief going into one of the biggest matches of the team’s recent history.

"In certain aspects we've been to hell and back together," he told on Friday.

"Where my strength comes from, or our strength comes from as a team, is the hard stuff we've been through as well.

"To be resilient in those times is what gives me the most confidence that we'll be the best version of ourselves tomorrow."

Scotland recovered from an opening defeat to Italy by beating England, Wales and France, putting themselves in contention heading into the last weekend. The win over France in particular was one of their most significant performances of the professional era and kept alive hopes of a first championship title since 1999.

Scotland Triple Crown And Title Hopes

Victory over Ireland in Dublin would give Scotland a first Triple Crown since 1990. It would also keep them in the title race, although the final outcome would still depend on the result of France against England later on the same day.

Ireland Test Awaits In Dublin

Tuipulotu said Scotland are approaching the match with stronger belief than in previous trips to Dublin, where Ireland have dominated this fixture in recent years.

Scotland have lost 11 successive matches against Ireland in all competitions, making the task clear but also underlining the scale of the opportunity.

"I think that's more of a pressure for them (Ireland) than us.

"They don't want to be the team to let go of their streak... They deserve the pressure of being the favourites in this game because of what they've achieved in the past."