This weekend's Rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and Scotland is an absolutely massive fixture for both sides involved.
The Scots will be hoping to upset the odds and secure a convincing win, a result which should be enough to secure an unlikely quarter-final berth. From an Irish perspective, all of the momentum gained in the win over the Springboks would count for nothing if they were then eliminated in the pool stage.
As a result, you get the sense that this could be a tense and hard-hitting affair.
Finn Russell is expecting 'handbags' from one Ireland star
Ireland and Scotland have plenty of recent history, most of which involves Andy Farrell's men coming out on the winning side. The Scots have not been shy to talk themselves up in the past, something that has often come back to bite them.
In fairness, they have improved immensely over the last year or so and have the ability to pull off a shock this weekend. If they are to do so, Finn Russell is sure to play a decisive role.
He is expecting a tense clash, having his eye on a one Irish star in particular that could look to put off his team.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's game, he said he is expecting Peter O'Mahony to start a few 'handbags' during the game. He is also dismissed the notion that his team would attempt to be overly physical with Johnny Sexton during the fixture.
There might be some mouthing off here and there, some words exchanged maybe, but can’t expect anything else.
That’s just the way it is in these sorts of games. You’re going to do anything you can to try and get one up on your opposite man or the opposite team.
A lot depends on the game and how it’s going. If we’ve got the momentum and there might be someone like Peter O’Mahony trying to start something, handbags or something like that or me chipping over the top try to change the picture, I think it’s kind of inevitable something is going to happen.
Whoever manages it the best will probably come out the other end...
I wouldn’t see the need to go over the top and put [Johnny Sexton] off his stride or take him out. We’re obviously aware of what he can do and how he can control the game. On the defensive side if we go out to shut him down it would probably create space elsewhere, which is what they want.
I’ll play my own game. Everyone is going to have that. At 10, nine or 15 there is always going to be that individual battle to win. I tend not to get caught up in that.
Peter O'Mahony is certainly not afraid to get under the skin of the opposition, something he will no doubt look to do so once again this weekend.
Scotland will likely be aiming to concentrate on their own game, especially when you that they will have to rack up a sizeable score against Ireland in order to advance to the quarter-final.
It should make for a mouth-watering clash.
SEE ALSO: The Settled Ireland Team We Want To See Against Scotland
