Dewey savours shot at centres of excellence

Scotland's Rob Dewey admits his defensive strength must match the threat he carries with ball in hand when he faces the Ireland centre partnership he holds in such high regard.

With three tries in only four international appearances, Dewey has quickly established himself as Scotland's most potent attacking player. However, when he lines up against Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy at Murrayfield on Saturday, he will have plenty to live up to.

However, he is relishing taking on arguably the best centre partnership in world rugby. "They are two brilliant players in their own right, and Ireland have been playing well as a team as well, so there is plenty to look forward to," said the 23-year-old inside centre.

"Those two players provide the sparks for the rest of the players behind them, and they've done that on countless occasions.

"We just have to close them down.

"They are great at winning ball on the deck, they run great lines, and moments of genius from either one of those two can win games for their team."

O'Driscoll, in particular, was singled out for special praise by Dewey.

"We've all seen him nip through the smallest of gaps and then offload the ball, and those kinds of things change games," he said. "His offloading out of contact is second to none. He knows where his team-mates are going to be, and can flick the ball anywhere.

"I love the way he plays rugby. He's so quick at getting up and over the tackled man to steal ball, and that's brilliant to see - it's something I've been working on myself.

"Ireland is a massive challenge for us. They put in a great performance in their last match against England at Croke Park, while we lost against Italy - but we've highlighted a few key areas we've got to work on this week, and hopefully that will pay dividends at the weekend."

Rugby Fixtures

FRIDAY

Under-20 International:Scotland v Ireland, Falkirk (7.30).

Universities international:Ireland v England, Belfield, 2.30.

SATURDAY

Six Nations Championship:Scotland v Ireland, Murrayfield (1.30); Italy v Wales, Stadio Flaminio (3.30).

Women's Six Nations Championship:Scotland v Ireland, Boroughmuir (11.0am).

All-Ireland League Division Three (2.30):Connemara v Wanderers, Monastery Field.

SUNDAY

Six Nations:England v France, Twickenham (3.0).