Gregor Townsend played suggestions that Scotland-Ireland has become a resentment when he was preparing for the six nations on Sunday in Murrayfield.
Ireland won its last 10 games against Scotland in a run from 2018.
Some sections of the Irish media have accused Scottish players of being “arrogance” when they spoke about their chances of the end that the loss of stripes in the structure between the Celtic competitors corresponds to the stripes.
The Scottish coach Townsend, who took responsibility in 2017 just a few months after the last victory in Scotland against Ireland in 2017, refused that the rivalry is more intense than with other nations after naming his team on Friday.
“I don’t think that exists,” he said. “Well, if there is, it is just like any other game in which teams want to build something to deliver additional motivation.
“So, maybe it’s more on the Irish side or on the Irish media page, there is this rivalry or needle to give you additional motivation why you want to win again.”
The 51-year-old former Scotland playmaker added: “Obviously you won this game several times, but we see this as a game in which we respect and admire Ireland a lot of what you have done in recent years, but it is No needle game for us.
Ireland began its offer for a third place title for the third time in a row with a 27:22 victory against England in Dublin, while Scotland consciously determined to defeat Italy in Edinburgh 19: 19.
However, without illusions about the extent of the challenge with which Scotland is now facing, without a championship title, since he won the last edition of the old five nations in 1999.
“Ireland is a top side and they have been favorite for this game for several years and try to win three in a row, which would be unprecedented,” he said.
Townsend has made three changes to his side, and Tom Jordan replaced Stafford McDowall to show himself next to Huw Jones, who achieved a hat trick with attempts against Italy in midfield.
Elsewhere, Jack Dempsey takes over the former Scottish captain Jamie Ritchie in the back row, with Rory Sutherland for Pierre Schoeman at Lootehead Prop in the Lockhead.
The game on Sunday is a start in the first six nations for Jordan, born in New Zealand, after the 26-year-old came from the bank against Italy after his test debut during November.
“With Tom it was great to see how he played for us in the 15-jersey jersey in November, as he had done for several years in the 10 (fly half) for Glasgow,” said Townsend.
“He just brought that from the bank with 12 (against Italy), and 12 (inside) was probably his natural position.”
JDG/JW/PB