Ireland coach Simon Easterby recalls Six Nations misery of 2007 ahead of Scotland trip

Ireland coach Simon Easterby has warned against repeating the mistakes of 2007 ahead of the Six Nations trip to Scotland.

Eight years ago, former flanker Easterby was part of the Irish squad that travelled to Italy for the final game of the tournament with the destination of the title set to go down to points difference.

Ireland ended up with a 54-21 victory but ultimately paid the price for going for an ambitious last minute score - turning over possession and allowing Roland de Marigny to snatch a consolation try that resulted in France lifting the trophy with a four-point superior points difference.

As Joe Schmidt's side prepare to travel to Scotland for Saturday's game in a bid to try and retain their crown, a similar scenario - this time involving England and Wales - is probable, and Easterby is wary of a repeat.

The 39-year-old forwards coach said: "I recall watching it together and the disappointment of not getting over the line.

"We did our utmost in the game to give ourselves the best possible opportunity that year and we have to make sure we do the same this week."

"It is exactly that, you've got to focus on what you can do in that 80 minutes," 

"We've got to focus on what we can produce in Murrayfield.

"The performance first and foremost will give us the right result and what goes outside of our environment in Rome and London is exactly that, outside our control and we can't factor that into what we're doing in the 80 minutes against Scotland.

"They are going to make it difficult enough as it is without us focusing on what else is going on elsewhere. We've got to focus on our job and make sure that is right and hopefully that puts us in the best possible position come Saturday evening."