Rory Darge believes Scotland are primed for the pressure of their clash with Ireland on Saturday as the possibility of a first Six Nations title looms large. 

Gregor Townsend's team know that a victory in Dublin, coupled with a slip-up by defending champions France against England later in the day, will see them claim the title. 

Scotland kept their championship hopes alive with three consecutive wins over England, Wales and France, the latter seeing them come out on top in an epic 50-40 tussle. 

After losing their opening game to Italy, Scotland and France are level on 16 points, and Darge is adamant those experiences will stand them in good stead for what promises to be a dramatic weekend.

"Our backs were against the wall after Rome," said Darge. 

"I think Sione [Tuipulotu] had said in the press and to the group that you can't expect to lose two games and still be in the mix towards the end of the campaign.

"So, for a while now, it's been win, or you're not going to be in with a shout. Obviously, to be in with any sort of chance this weekend, we'll have to win.

"It's massively exciting, no getting away from it."

Happy Sunday, Scotland fans! #AsOne pic.twitter.com/qCZSDbIRr5

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 8, 2026

While Scotland's title destiny is out of their hands, they know a victory over Ireland would at least guarantee them a first Triple Crown since 1990.

However, Scotland have won just once in Dublin in the Six Nations, with that victory coming back in 2010 in Ireland's final match at Croke Park.

Ireland have won each of their last eight matches against Scotland in the tournament, with their last defeat in this fixture coming at Murrayfield in 2017,

One more victory would equal their longest winning run against Scotland in any iteration of the championship, alongside a nine-game streak between 1939 and 1954.

But Scotland are out to win four on the bounce in a single year of the Six Nations for the first time since winning a Grand Slam in the 1990 edition of the Five Nations.

"I've not beaten Ireland before, they're a tough team to beat, and they've been right up there as one of the best teams in the world," Darge added.

"Obviously, we're fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

"Ireland are an outstanding team and our record against them hasn't been great, so we know it's going to be difficult, but we've got to back ourselves."