Former Stormer gets Scotland pumped up for Ireland clash

Today at 10:11 AM

SPOTLIGHT: Huw Jones has challenged Scotland to prove they are true Six Nations title contenders by ending their long losing streak against Ireland.

Jones, a former Stormers player, scored a hat-trick of tries as Scotland withstood an Italy fightback to win 31-19 in their tournament opener in Edinburgh on Saturday after the Azzurri had drawn level at 19-19.

But the centre is well aware Scotland will need "a really special performance" at Murrayfield on February 9 if they are to end a run of 10 straight defeats by Ireland.

Scotland last won against Ireland, the double-defending Six Nations champions, in February 2017 - four months before current Dark Blues coach Gregor Townsend took charge.

"Look, we've wanted this one for a long time and never quite got it, so it's a huge challenge for us," Jones said of the upcoming Ireland game.

"They're obviously a very, very good side. And they've shown that with all the results in the past - not just against us, but against a lot of other teams."

'Had our number'

"We know it's going to be a massive challenge," said the 31-year-old Glasgow midfielder. "It's a real cliche, but it's the big-match temperament, that's what we need to find within this squad.

"We've had it in games in the past but never strung it together. I feel like I say the same thing every year.

"Next week is a chance for us to show how much growth we've made. This is the one we want. I mean, they've had our number for years now so it's time to front up and have a really special performance."

But Jones knows words will only count for so much.

"I think we have an inner belief in our squad, but we've said that before and not been on the right side of the result, so it's about just turning up and getting the job done," he explained.

"We believe we can win, but it's going out there and doing it. And that's the real test."

Jones, meanwhile, was proud of Scotland's composure on Saturday after his two tries in the final quarter helped secure a bonus point as Townsend's men took the game away from Italy.

"I think the fact that the game wasn't perfect and there were swings of momentum is probably quite good preparation for us," said Jones.

He added: "The way we wrestled back control and didn't panic when things went wrong, that was a big focus for us coming into the Six Nations.

"No game's ever going to be perfect. But it's about staying in the fight, not letting the game get away from us, and being there right at the end."

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