Scotland’s captain, Sione Tuipulotu, is rallying his teammates to embrace the opportunity to create history as they aim for Six Nations glory against Ireland this Saturday in Dublin.

The final round promises to deliver captivating drama, with Scotland seeking their first championship win in 27 years. This historic moment hangs in the balance as Gregor Townsend’s squad faces the daunting task of beating Ireland, a feat they have yet to achieve in 11 attempts under Townsend’s leadership. Simultaneously, they are hoping for a favorable outcome from England’s clash with France in Paris.

Just a few months ago, the Scottish team faced boos at Murrayfield following a loss to Argentina, and they commenced the Six Nations series with a setback in Rome against Italy. Tuipulotu reflects on the challenging journey the team has endured over the past few years, describing it as a journey through “hell and back” during those difficult times.

Despite the past struggles, Tuipulotu recognizes the historic potential of a first victory in Dublin since 2010. He emphasizes the motivation driving the team, stating, “We want to be the first of our kind [Scotland team to win this], and that’s a big motivating factor.”

Tuipulotu reflected on the journey this team have been on over these past few years, insisting they have ‘been to hell and back’ during those dark days.

Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu admits his side have come through some difficult times

But knowing that a first victory in Dublin since 2010 could see the Scots make history, he said: ‘We want to be the first of our kind [Scotland team to win this] and that’s a big motivating factor.

‘Over the last five years, in certain aspects, we’ve been to hell and back together. So that’s where my strength comes from, and our strength as a team – the hard stuff we’ve been through.

‘The ability to be resilient in those times is what gives me the most confidence that we’ll be the best version of ourselves this weekend.

‘We’ve been playing knockout rugby since we lost to Italy, so this is not foreign territory for us in that aspect.

‘We’ve got 80 minutes ahead of us for us to take another step forward as a group and play better than what we did against France. Hopefully that puts us in good stead.

‘It’s maybe foreign territory for a Scotland team to be in this position on the final weekend with so much on the line, but we have earned that privilege.

‘The way I’ve put it to the group is that we’ve earned the right to be in this game and for those things to be on the line.

‘But those things are not going to consume us or stop us from playing our game. We’re going to go out there and live and die by our identity.’

Scotland have been written off once again in the Irish media this week, with one newspaper saying ‘sniggering at Scotland’s expense has become a national pastime’.

Tuipulotu admits it will be a tough task against Ireland, who they have lost to 11 times in a row

Since the Townsend era began in 2017, they have lost 11 games on the bounce to Ireland. Indeed, going all the way back to the year 2000, Scotland are trying to win in Dublin for only the second time in 26 years.

Tuipulotu is under no illusions about how difficult the challenge will be, having been coached by Andy Farrell on the Lions tour last summer and having been a team-mate of many of those who will be wearing green today.

But the Scotland skipper believes Ireland will be under more pressure to preserve their record against the visitors at what will be a sold-out Aviva Stadium.

Tuipulotu also believes that it was fated to be Ireland, a team who have long been Scotland’s nemesis, who stand in their way on the path to potential glory.

It is expected that upwards of 15,000 Scots will make the journey to Dublin on St Patrick’s weekend in a bid to cheer their team on what could be an historic day.

‘There is belief, definitely,’ said Tuipulotu. ‘Maybe coming to the Aviva to play Ireland in the past, it’s seemed a little bit more like we were coming in hope.

‘But now we have been building this belief. You’ve got to act on your belief as well. There’s no point in you just believing and then get out there on Saturday and don’t act on it.

‘The record against Ireland is out there obviously and there’s no point saying it doesn’t play on anyone’s mind. But, to be honest, I think that’s more of a pressure for them than us.

‘They don’t want to be the team to let go of their streak or they don’t want to be the team to lose at the Aviva against Scotland in front of 45,000 fans.

‘They don’t want to be the team to not achieve what they have achieved over the last 10 years. So I think all those things point to a bit more pressure on them.

‘Being coached by Faz in the summer gave me a lot of perspective on how his teams are run and why they’ve been so successful over the last 10 years.

‘It’s a massive challenge for us, but I’m a believer that all things happen for a reason.

‘There’s a reason Ireland are the last game for us because it’s probably the toughest challenge and has been the toughest challenge for us for the last 10 years.’