O'Connell very wary of Scotland

Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell has his hackles up as Round 4 of the Six Nations looms, in which the Irish will square up to the Scots at Murrayfield.

Scotland have evolved into a different team under the guidance of head coach Gregor Townsend and are once again a real force in world rugby.

O‘Connell’s appointment as forwards boss is a recent one after the iconic second-row retired just five years ago. However, despite his short coaching innings, he still knows a threat when he sees one.

“I think it’s the best Scottish team I’ve ever gone up against as a coach or a player,” he said. “They’re very well coached, very physical and they’ve got some real X-factor players as well – Stuart Hogg, Finn Russell. They’re in a very good place and we’re aware of the challenge.”

Ireland had a frustrating start to their campaign as they fell to Wales in Round 1 – 21-16 – and then to the French – 15-13. Things took a turn for the better in Round 3 when they ran over Italy 48-10 in Rome and, while that victory was no doubt thoroughly enjoyed, O’Connell is remains wary of coming up against a team mentored by Gregor Townsend.

“There’s no doubt Scotland are an excellent side,” said O’Connell. “Any team coached by Gregor Townsend always attack very well. Going back to his Glasgow days they always had incredible physical edge.

“You think sometimes if a coach is into attack then his team won’t have a physical edge, but every Glasgow team I played back in the day were excellent attacking sides, but were physical as well. It’s the same with this Scottish team.

“So much good attack in the Autumn Nations Cup and the Six Nations has come from Scotland. Fantastic performance against England, excellent set-piece performance, which laid a real solid foundation for them to go on and win.

“It’s a massive test, these next two weeks against a resurgent, confident Scottish side and an England side we’ve struggled against in recent years. It’s a real tough challenge now in the next few weeks.”