Scotland go to Dublin this weekend to take part in what will be Ireland's last rugby union match at Croke Park before they move back to the refurbished (and smaller but pretty smart looking) Lansdowne Road. It's reassuring to see they still have the train line running through one of the grandstands - some things never change, even if we have to call it Aviva Stadium now. No doubt there will be fond farewells and ceremony pre and post-match and talk of another Triple Crown. That is, unless Scotland can turn up and spoil the party.

Without wishing to sound like a stuck record, once again there were heartening signs of positive developments from Scotland last weekend against England without clinching the try or the vital result that would have proved it to the wider world. Still, a point is a point and will perhaps show the Scotland players what they missed out on by foolishly opting to play on against Wales.

The Scotland pack is the same and starting to gain confidence in the set piece. The back row clash this weekend will likely set the tone for the match but it may all count for nothing without our backs achieving a similar measure of confidence. Parks needs to be spot on with his kicks to keep them in the right areas and the last drops of concentration will be required to finish off any chances that come their way - as unlike England, make no mistakes the Irish backline will finish theirs. De Luca and Morrison need to back up what was a vastly improved centre performance going forward last week with a bit more nous in attack against one of the most comfortable and talented centre partnerships - in defence or attack - in recent rugby history.

If our backline can hold its nerve, and the half-backs stay sharp, I think our pack gives us a chance to sneak a result, provided the bench is not called on too early. Otherwise Ireland could have it easy. The most heartening thing (short of a win) would be not to just roll over and accept it as another unsuccessful Six Nations and let Ireland get on with the party, but to front up and say "sure, we fluffed it a couple of times this year, but we'll see you all next year, and the result's going to be different". Andy Robinson's Edinburgh in recent years have been no respecter of tradition, having beaten Cardiff handsomely in their last match at the Arms Park. After all, it is "just" the last game at Croke Park and the Triple Crown on the line, Ireland wouldn't mind that much. Would they?

Rory Baldwin, Editor, Scottish Rugby Blog