Scotland coach Duncan Hodge: 'Lineouts could be crucial against Ireland'

Scotland backs coach Duncan Hodge has identified lineouts as a crucial area of Saturday's Six Nations match against title-chasing Ireland.

Hosts Scotland have lost all four games so far in the competition and go into tomorrow's finale trying to avoid the wooden spoon and dent Ireland's hopes of back-to-back titles.

Hodge today insisted that there was "no doubt" that lineouts would play a big part in the match at Murrayfield.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, he said: "They had some shaky moments last week and it's been an area of our game that's been strong.

"The lineouts in modern rugby are a massive part of the game - it's a big source of possession.

"They will have looked at it hugely carefully this week and so have we. It will be one of the determining factors tomorrow. No doubt."

All three final-round games take place tomorrow at staggered times, with Italy hosting Wales in the early match (12.30 kickoff) before Scotland and Ireland's tussle (2.30pm) is followed by England versus France (5pm).

Ireland, along with Wales and England, are on six points after four games and it is possible that the winner will be decided on points differential.