Bruisers.

Ireland and Scotland are set to lock horns at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this weekend, for a Six Nations round four clash with everything to play for.

Joe Schmidt’s men are sitting pretty at the top of the championship, having won all their games so far. But Scotland’s win over England at Murrayfield a fortnight ago, means Gregor Townsend’s men have an outside chance of winning their first ever Six Nations championship.

Ahead of the game, Scotland captain John Barclay has been previewing the clash on his BBC column. And the Scarlets man has given a brilliant example that shows just how physical an encounter with Ireland can be.

When playing Ireland or South Africa, Barclays says Scotland’s physio has to order in extra ice bags, because he gets through more to nurse injuries when playing them, as opposed to any other nation.

“I was talking to our physio the other day and he said he was ordering in more ice bags for Dublin.

“He said that, from his perspective, he gets through more ice to nurse more bumps and bruises in games against Ireland and South Africa than any other nation we play.”

“I laughed, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a joke.”

“We know what’s coming at the Aviva. Loads of intensity, loads of attrition. Ireland are in great form and they’re well drilled. I’m always saying in this column that whoever looks after the ball best usually wins these games and Ireland look after the ball extremely well.”

Roll on Saturday. If anything, we know it’s at least going to be physical.