Simon Zebo says Scotland are desperate to get one over on Ireland having come close in the last few seasons.
The sides will meet in round four of the Guinness Six Nations in two weeks’ time with Scotland bidding for a triple crown, having already taken care of England and Wales.
Yesterday’s loss to France ended their Grand Slam ambitions but, with a home match in the final round against Italy to come, they will feel they are right in the mix for the title.
Ireland, who haven’t lost to Scotland in seven meetings since 2017, are on course for a clean sweep, with victories over Wales, France and Italy to their name.
Two years ago Ireland snuck out of Murrayfield with a win thanks to a late Johnny Sexton penalty and Zebo feels that Gregor Townsend’s side are itching to put one over their Celtic cousins.
“It will be an incredibly tough game, they are a tricky opponent,” the 35-cap Ireland winger told RTÉ Sport.
“You saw that France were more than happy to fight fire with fire and play that wide game and see who comes out on top.
“I think Ireland will be a bit cuter, I think we have a far better defence than the French do and it will be harder to break us down.
“That approach should put is in good stead but I’m under no illusions, it will be an incredibly tough game.
“Murrayfield is a very hostile environment and they do want to get one over on us, they’ve been waiting a while now so it’s going to be a very exciting game but I fancy we should have too much.”
Andy Farrell’s side are seven-point favourites a fortnight out from the tie and Munster back Zebo reckons the Irish defence can be the difference.
The team have conceded just four tries in their three games so far, the best record in the competition.
“Our game plan suits playing against teams like Scotland and France,” said the 32-year-old.
“We can put them under pressure through our defence. It’s Andy Farrell’s baby, he looks after that very well. We are incredibly strong in that area. I think we should have too much in the locker for them.
“As always, you have the threats of Finn Russell and Duhan van der Merwe, these guys who can score tries from anywhere so we’ll have to be switched on for 80 but an Irish victory in Murrayfield sounds good.”
Watch highlights of all the weekend’s action on Against the Head, RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, Monday, 8pm
