ODriscoll and his team-mates go into the encounter at Lansdowne Road knowing a massive win, followed by a slender England win in France, could see them crowned champions for the first time in 19 years.

Given the poor form Scotland find themselves in, the task is not unthinkable. Yet ODriscoll believes talk of the title can only distract Ireland from their major focus of completing only their seventh Triple Crown.

Our first focus has to be beating Scotland, he said.

If we do that and get the Triple Crown anything that comes after that would be a huge bonus.

You have to remember Ireland have not won a Triple Crown since 1985 and because it hasnt been done in so long, it is a huge ambition of this side.

Also, I really dont see us beating Scotland by 50 points. If we beat them by one that would be good enough for me.