Finn Russell believes if Scotland nullify the threat of Ireland playmakers Jonny Sexton and Conor Murray then they have a good chance of winning their Six Nations clash in Dublin on Saturday.

The national team recorded a historic win over England last time out and are aiming to keep their championship hopes alive with a win against Ireland but know they'll face a tough test to get the result they need.

Russell says that a passionate performance will be necessary but that the right mental approach will also be crucial.

"We've got to go into the game knowing our roles inside out, getting the physicality right," he told ITV. "Ireland are so good in the contact, holding us up, getting over the ball so we've got to be physically ready for them.

"Mentally we've got to be there as well. Fire in our belly and calm up top.

"If we lose the head and try to be over-physical then they'll outsmart us. With Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton they can control the game if we just go flying into everything then they're going to pick us off. We've got to be hungry for the win but we've got to play smart as well."

Rusell, who played a starring role last time out, identified Sexton and Murray as the danger men and said that winning the individual battles would go a long way towards coming out on top.

"I think it's important and the half-backs this week will play a big part in the game," he said. "It'll be tough going against Johnny and he's such a great player, and for Greig against Conor.

"It'll be tough but it's not just two guys.

"We'll go at them as hard as we can but I'm sure the other guys will as well.

"I believe that if we manage to stop Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray then that'll have a big impact on the game but we'll have to stop them as well as 13 or 14 other guys."

You can watch Ireland v Scotland live from 1.25pm on STV and on the STV Player.