Blair Kinghorn believes Scotland “will end” Ireland’s record-winning run when he celebrates his 50th cap in a do-or-die Rugby World Cup battle on Saturday.
The full-back will reach the personal landmark in a high-stakes game with a quarter-final spot on the line.
Scotland must win, and win well, against the world No. 1 side at the Stade de France, and by doing so halt a 16-match winning streak in which the Irish have downed the biggest sides in the world.
“They have been on a run of really good form recently, but we’ll end that on Saturday,” Kinghorn said.
On Scotland’s need to be clinical, he added: “In big games you have to take chances in front of you, but we have to not get frustrated if we don’t take certain chances, be patient and others will come. “
Kinghorn first broke into the Scotland side during the 2018 Six Nations and has since become a vital part of the squad.
His versatility has been clear to see in that time, with the long-legged speedster playing at fly-half, full-back and on the wing for his country.
But the 26-year-old Edinburgh man insists the best is yet to come after Stuart Hogg’s retirement freed up the 15 jersey he feels most comfortable wearing.
“I’m really honoured to get my 50th cap, it’s something I probably didn’t think would come,” he said.
“It’s crept up on me but I’ll certainly enjoy the experience.”
Reflecting on his Scotland career, Kinghorn said: “Peaks and troughs. When I got my debut, in that first Six Nations I had a really good time, covering mainly wing.
“That summer tour I moved into more full-back, then I found myself starting on the wing for a period of time before Duhi (Van der Merwe) came along and ruined that for me!
“There have been ups and downs, I’ve moved position a couple of times, went to 10 for a bit, but I feel I’m at home now being at the back in that 15 jersey.
“I feel I’ve not really shown how good I can be in my first 50 caps, so I don’t take any cap for granted but I’ll certainly be looking to prove what I can do for the next wee while.”
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