Dubai Telegraph - Scotland boss Townsend has no grudge against Six Nations kings Ireland

Ireland have won their past 10 matches against Scotland in a run dating back to 2018.

Some sections of the Irish media have accused Scottish players of "arrogance" when talking up their chances of ending that losing streak in the build-up to matches between the Celtic rivals.

Scotland coach Townsend, who took charge just months after Scotland's last win over Ireland in 2017, dismissed talk that the rivalry is more intense than it is with other nations after naming his team on Friday.

"I don't think there is," he said. "Well, if there is, it's just the same as any other game where teams want to build up something to provide extra motivation.

"So, maybe it's more on the Irish side, or the Irish media side, there's this rivalry or needle to give them extra motivation on why they want to win again."

The 51-year-old former Scotland playmaker added: "Obviously they've won this fixture a number of times but we see this as a game where we respect Ireland a lot and admire what they've done over the last few years, but it doesn't stand out as a needle game for us."

Ireland began their bid for a record third successive Six Nations title with a 27-22 win over England in Dublin, while Scotland demonstrated admirable resolve to beat Italy 31-19 in Edinburgh after the Azzurri drew level at 19-19.

Townsend, however, is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge now facing Scotland, without a championship title since winning the last edition of the old Five Nations back in 1999.

"Ireland are a top side and they have been for a number of years, clearly favourites for this game and looking to win three Six Nations in a row, which would be unprecedented," he said.

Townsend has made three changes to his side, with versatile back Tom Jordan replacing Stafford McDowall to line up alongside Huw Jones, who scored a hat-trick of tries against Italy, in midfield.

Elsewhere, Jack Dempsey takes over from former Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie in the back row, with Rory Sutherland in for Pierre Schoeman at loosehead prop.

Sunday's match will be a first Six Nations start for New Zealand-born Jordan after the 26-year-old came off the bench against Italy following his Test debut during the November internationals.

"With Tom, it was great to see him play in the 15 (full-back) jersey for us in November, like he has done in the 10 (fly-half) jersey for Glasgow for a few years now," said Townsend.

"He just brought that off the bench at 12 (against Italy), and 12 (inside centre) was probably his natural position."

J.Chacko--DT