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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

'Everything on the line' in Murrayfield clash as entire Ireland squad trained today

Rónan Kelleher summed up the importance of Ireland's clash with Scotland when he admitted: "Everything is on the line" as all 37 of Ireland's extended squad trained in Abbotstown yesterday.

It is a massive boost for Andy Farrell to have the whole squad fit and primed for such a crucial away fixture.

Remarkably, the Scots are gunning on Sunday for a first Triple Crown triumph since 1990 after beating England and Wales already in this year's championship.

READ MORE: Ireland not naive enough for Grand Slam talk this week, says Josh van der Flier

But if Ireland are victorious at Murrayfield, they will be playing for not just a Triple Crown against England on Saturday week but only a fourth Grand Slam.

"We’re bouncing into each week with how enjoyable the environment is," said Kelleher.

"Everything is on the line. I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a great two weeks for us."

With a number of frontline players returning from injury, hooker is one position that is hotly contested this week.

After making his return from injury off the bench against France, Kelleher started against Italy - his first start for Ireland since the France game in last year's Six Nations.

With Dan Sheehan fit again, however, the hooker could be looking at a return to the bench in Edinburgh, such is the impact his Leinster colleague has made in the 25-year-old's absence.

Kelleher, however, is loving the competition for places.

"Yeah, it’s great," he said. "There is obviously Squish there as well, Rob Herring.

"There are the three of us there trying to fight it out for that jersey - just pushing each other on, making sure that we are all on our best form and making sure we are bouncing ideas off each other.

"The main goal is the championship and the Grand Slam so we've just got to make sure everything we are doing is benefiting the team, make sure we are in a good spot."

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