Scotland v Ireland:Ireland should beat Scotland by a considerable margin today but to break their fluctuating form of recent times they must retain the aggression levels of a fortnight ago.

Forget the Triple Crown; it is irrelevant to Ireland's long-term goals: performing at the World Cup in France and a Grand Slam next year. To achieve success in both these competitions defeating France in Paris is a prerequisite. Twice.

Success in business and in sport have one particularly trait in common: the quality of a team, or company, can be judged on how often they reach the high-water mark.

I have mentioned before this Irish team are stuck in a four- to five-game cycle where they can drop an unforgivable 40 per cent in performance levels before returning to the zenith. The display against Australia in November was followed by three under-par games before the ruthless demolition of England. We know what Ireland are capable of because we saw it on that historic day.

Staying with the business analogy, the requirements of a CEO differ throughout a company's development. When Eddie O'Sullivan became head coach in 2002 the Irish squad needed vast improvements in the skills department, fitness levels and general structure. Five years on, they are a supremely fit team. Compared to Scotland they are more skilful and talented in every position while the structural base is light years advanced. What they need now is to add the mentality and attitude required to consistently produce world-class performances regardless of the opposition.

The best example is the All Blacks. Even when they slip below optimum standards it is never by a notable gulf. And a 90-per-cent showing by New Zealand can put most teams away.

Remember, come the World Cup, back-to-back quality performances will be required against France, Argentina and, potentially, the quarter-final opponents and beyond. That must now be the focus.

The peerless Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi said football is a game that requires constant animosity. That was evident against England but, considering what was at stake, motivation came easily at Croke Park. This side must reproduce the ruthless streak against every opposition.

Traditionally, Ireland have failed to get under Scottish skin, especially at Murrayfield. But past results should count for little with this exceptional team. Traditionally Scotland are a superior rugby team but this is not the 1990s, its 2007, and Ireland have more power, pace, an advanced ability to execute tactics and a self-belief that is worth 50 points here.

Scotland are stuck in what I would call the "try harder" syndrome. That attitude will not solve the problems in the Scottish game as they have ceased to implement the behind-the-scenes work essential to nurture long-term success. It pains me to say it but Australia have the same problem at present.

I will probably be accused of sour grapes but there is an attitude problem prevalent in Scottish rugby. When I was national coach a senior player told me he would prefer a coach with a Scottish accent, even if that coach was less capable and less knowledgeable and helped him less. The ramifications of that statement are being played out.

The exodus of players, especially the recent departure of Rob Dewey and Simon Danielli to Celtic League rivals Ulster means the Luddites and begrudgers have won a major victory for the future direction of the Scottish game. Take Steve Anderson. When Steve was high-performance manager for the SRU he couldn't get his initiatives implemented, yet within three months of switching to the IRFU all his plans were up and running.

Like Ireland in the 1990s, Scottish players now arrive into the national squad without the skills sets necessary to perform at international level.

Ireland have no excuses for not winning comfortably, and I would expect Italy to beat Scotland in the World Cup pool stages.

It would be remiss not to highlight Brian O'Driscoll's equalling of Keith Wood's 36-cap record as Irish captain today. While Brian's thought process will not dwell on the issue - he does in fairness have more pressing issues at hand - the strides he has made since leading Ireland to victory over Australia in 2002 have been remarkable.

He has evolved into a major problem for every opposition, not just as a player but as a leader. Remember, he didn't seek out the captaincy but has still become one of the great ones.

And yet, his is a different style from that of his predecessor. Wood would try to win games on his own, be it with a field-goal attempt or chip over the cover. Brian has learned, to his great credit, to underplay his hand.

Such is his ability when he runs into open space, or merely takes a straight line, as a decoy, up to three defenders can be held to create space for others. Gordon D'Arcy and Girvan Dempsey in particular have benefited. Expect more of the same today.