Mike Ross seeks Ireland World Cup lift with another Six Nations title

Ireland prop Mike Ross admits claiming back-to-back Six Nations titles for the first time since 1949 would be the ideal preparation for the World Cup later this year.

Ross was disappointed to miss out on a Grand Slam following the 23-16 defeat in Wales last weekend, but the 35-year-old is eager to retain the crown.

"It would be huge, it would be a huge one for us," said Ross. "It would certainly give us a huge lift going into the World Cup. It is something we really want as a squad.

"There was a lot of disappointment in that dressing room after that Welsh game because for some lads, when is the next opportunity going to come around for a Grand Slam again? You don't know."

Ireland can still retain the Six Nations crown with a victory in Scotland on Saturday, with points difference likely to decide the silverware's destination for the second year running with Wales also still in the mix.

England top the current standings on points difference, but Ross insists Ireland will fight tooth and nail to retain their title.

"It's hugely important: it would be a great achievement for this squad if we could do that, the back-to-back championships," said Ross.

Focus on Scotland

"But at the same time we can't get ahead of ourselves, the main focus is to beat Scotland first and foremost and any number of points after that would be a bonus."

England thrashed Italy 52-11 in Rome in the early kick-off last year, only to watch Ireland edge past France 22-20 in Paris to claim the title on points difference.

Ross concedes Ireland would not want to be on the other side of that fence this weekend, with England's Twickenham clash against France kicking off last.

"It will probably be a bit like it was for England last year, you know?" he said. "I suppose they were really shouting when that ball went forward in the Stade de France (to deny France a winning try), I guess that must have been really gutting for them.

"I suppose we'll have an idea of where Wales are after the Italy game, so we'll know what we need to do there, I think England have a tough job on their hands with France.

"France look like they are coming good, thankfully, so they will be a tough team to beat in Twickenham. But that's no good at all if we get beaten by Scotland."