Redpath sees Ireland as title challengers
February 11, 2003

Scotland captain Bryan Redpath has warned his team that Ireland are good enough to become surprise RBS 6 Nations champions.

The sides go head to head at Murrayfield in Sunday's tournament opener - and the scrum-half insisted the men from the Emerald Isle were potential winners.

``It has been suggested that the Irish are the dark horses of the competition - and I couldn't agree more,'' said Redpath.

``As far as I am concerned they will be even more difficult opponents than the Springboks were before Christmas and we have to gear up for that.

``Beating South Africa was a fantastic result for us in November, but it has to be remembered that they were a team on the slide.

``Ireland are a team on the up, and a team who have been performing consistently well.''

Redpath refused to look any further ahead than the Sabbath showdown when asked about Scotland's 6 Nations chances.

He said: ``We are capable of beating Ireland this weekend - that's all I want to say at the moment.''

Redpath admitted that the controversial loss of Budge Pountney had been a setback in the build-up to the 6 Nations - but stressed that he believed there was enough strength in depth in the squad to cope with his absence.

Northampton Saints ace Pountney stunned Murrayfield officials two weeks ago by quitting the Test scene, claiming the backroom methods fell short of what they should be.

And Scotland manager Dougie Morgan admitted that changes had been made and would continue to be made in the wake of Pountney's departure.

But Morgan refused to go into detail.

He said: ``What needed to be done has been done. And what needs doing in the future will also be addressed.''

Redpath hinted at some sympathy for his former team-mate.

He said: ``I have my thoughts on the matter, but I won't be discussing them in public.

``My own preparations for Sunday's game have not been affected by what has happened and we have not talked about the situation as a team unit.

``It's history now and I am turning all my attentions to the tough task of facing Ireland and hopefully getting our campaign off to a successful start.''

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