Scotland lock Jim Hamilton targets a win over Ireland to finish Six Nations

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton insists victory against Ireland this weekend will make up for a very disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Despite showing flashes of progress there has been little relief for the Scots after suffering the pain of successive defeats against France, Wales, Italy and then England last week.

But the 32-year-old is confident Scotland can deflate title-chasing Ireland's party mood in the final game of this year's tournament at Murrayfield on Saturday, and possibly avoid 'winning' the wooden spoon.

The Saracens forward said: "We want to get that win this weekend. We put everything in and all we want is that win.

"You want that minute of euphoria at the end of the game to understand why you have put your body through it all.

"You come off the pitch and you are bashed about. Your fingers are broken, the back is gone. You've got black eyes and stitches. What's it all for? To win a game of rugby.

"When you don't get that the first time, then again, it's tough. So when you're four games in and you still haven't had it, you need to be mentally strong.

"We understand there are good bits and bad bits in our performances, but we need that final win. However, I'm sure we will get that at the weekend."

Positives

Hamilton, who has been capped 60 times for his country, is adamant the last six weeks should not prompt another bout of soul searching ahead the World Cup later in the year.

There have been signs of encouragement in the tournament for Vern Cotter’s team at Stade de France and Twickenham, as well as the partnership between Hamilton and Jonny Gray.

"This is my ninth Six Nations and I remember the years before where we have played extremely well and not got the results,” Hamilton said.

"I won't say we haven't deserved what we have got because I firmly believe if you deserve to win, most of the time you will.

"But it does feel very different with the players we have got, the age of the group and even having Vern, a fantastic coach, in charge.

"The most positive thing for this squad is the youngsters coming through. Jonny, Adam Ashe, Fraser Brown, Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and many more – this is something we haven't had before.

"We've had individuals who have shown the potential to be good before but now we have genuinely got some unbelievable talent coming through who are starting to do the business - we just need to tie it all together.

"They are at a different level to anything I've seen before.

"Look at What Stuart Hogg has done. I think Jonny is only 21, which makes me feel old, and look at what he has done in the space of 12 caps. Then there's Adam Ashe too. The future for this squad definitely looks bright.

"I'm not paying lip-service to this. I genuinely believe that."