Gregor Townsend has confirmed Gregor Brown is out of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations finale against Ireland with a hamstring injury, but delivered better news on Jack Dempsey and Kyle Steyn as Scotland chase their first title in 26 years.
The winner in Dublin will lift the trophy. A draw would hand it to Scotland. A defeat by seven points or fewer could still see the Scots crowned champions on points difference. This is the biggest Scotland match since the 1999 Five Nations clean sweep.
Gregor Brown ruled out
Gregor Brown will play no part at the Aviva Stadium.
The 23-year-old Glasgow Warriors flanker damaged his hamstring during last weekend’s 30-21 win over England and has not recovered in time.
Townsend said: “Gregor felt his hamstring in the second half against England. He has made good progress this week but is not quite ready for Test match intensity. It’s a blow because he has been outstanding for us.”
Brown started all four games so far, bringing physicality and lineout stealing that disrupted France and England.
Scotland lose one of their form players at the worst possible moment.
Dempsey and Steyn cleared to play
There is better news elsewhere.
No.8 Jack Dempsey took a heavy knock to his ankle against England but has trained fully all week and will start.
Kyle Steyn, who has been nursing an ankle problem since the France game, is also fit and pushing for a return on the wing.
Townsend confirmed: “Jack and Kyle are both good to go. They bring power, pace and experience. Having them available is massive for us.”
Darcy Graham remains sidelined with the groin injury that has kept him out since round two, while Jamie Ritchie is still suspended.
Townsend demands “huge physical effort”
Townsend has told his players they must match Ireland’s intensity from the very first minute.
Ireland have won the last 11 meetings between the sides, including two World Cup pool games, and have lifted four of the last six Six Nations titles.
“They raise their game against us,” Townsend admitted. “They have outstanding individuals, many of them Lions, and they are full of confidence after four wins in this campaign.
Two years ago we went toe-to-toe with them physically and were right in the game until the end. That’s the level we need again.
“We know what is coming. Ireland will bring ferocious physicality. We have to match it and then play our rugby.”
Scotland head to Dublin on the back of four straight bonus-point wins, scoring 136 points and conceding just 83.
They have beaten Italy 45-12, France 31-29, Wales 40-14 and England 30-21.
Current Guinness Six Nations standings
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 4 | 19 |
| Ireland | 4 | 15 |
| France | 4 | 14 |
| England | 4 | 9 |
| Wales | 4 | 4 |
| Italy | 4 | 0 |
What Scotland need
- Win = Champions (first title since 1999)
- Draw = Champions
- Lose by 7 or fewer + deny Ireland try bonus = Champions (points difference currently +79 to Ireland’s +49)
- Lose by 8 or more = Ireland champions
Townsend’s side have already achieved more than any Scotland team in a generation. Now one last effort stands between them and history.
This group has shown they can beat anyone on their day. They have played with skill, heart and a togetherness that has lit up the championship.
Saturday in Dublin will tell us if this is the team that finally ends the long wait.
Come on Scotland.
What do you think happens on Saturday? Can Scotland finally get the win in Dublin? Drop your score predictions below and use #SCOvIRE to join the conversation.
