Joe McCarthy: Triple Crown decider 'feels like a Cup Final'

The permutations have been well documented, as the winner of this afternoon's Celtic clash will then face an anxious wait. Either Ireland or Scotland could be crowned Six Nations champions, should France take an albeit unexpected defeat to England in the day's final fixture. Speaking ahead of the incoming Scottish show-down, Ireland lock Joe McCarthy revealed the 'Cup Final' buzz around the pre-match preparations.

"It almost feels like you're playing in a final." McCarthy said. "I know it's the final round of the Six Nations, but it feels like a final that you're playing in. It feels like a real big game and there's a real good buzz about the week. We know we need to be at our best, so everyone's bringing a lot of good energy."

McCarthy expressed how the pre-match preparations have gone beyond the pitch for the Scotland match, with his captain Caelan Doris ensuring that the standards are met to the last detail.

"We started off with a real good training session, everyone's kind of getting around themselves. Looking over the small details, trying to get all the small bits right, especially a big week like this. Caelan [Doris] was talking about it, you're trying to put everything into the week because it matters a lot. Getting your sleep right, getting your nutrition and recovering super well, so we're kind of doubling down on all the basic things just to be at our absolute best to fly into the weekend."

Ireland are set for the same closing fixture, that they enjoyed the spoils from two years ago. The 2024 Six Nations saw the men in green secure the title and Triple Crown, following their 17-13 win over the Scots, as Andy Farrell's side bounced back from the fourth round defeat to England. The image of Marcus Smith slotting the match-winning drop goal extinguished the Irish Grand Slam hopes, as McCarthy admits how it feels quite different this time around.

"We were motivated two years ago as well. But obviously, coming off the back for loss, and it's a bit different. It feels really good [this year], we just want to keep pushing on a group. We've got a lot of potential in our group and we're still kind of chasing that down.

"We want to be at our best, especially because of how good Scotland have been going, and [it will] probably be one of our toughest games this weekend. We'll be ready for that."

With plenty of history between Ireland and Scotland, there is often an added fiery edge to the annual clash between the Celtic cousins. McCarthy relishes the opportunity to take on the Scots, as he enjoys getting stuck into the same faces for every Leinster vs Glasgow clash in the URC.

"The niggle in the game [comes from] when you've had a rivalry with a team you've play a lot. We play Glasgow in the URC, all the Scottish players, it definitely feels like there's a bit more in the contacts. The main thing in the match is that you're on top, so you feel like you're dominating the collisions."

With the embers simmering throughout the week, it would be a safe bet to assume that we will see some tempers flare this Saturday. However, McCarthy ensured that this Ireland team will not be goading their opponents with any 'over-celebratory' moves, akin to the likes of when England or Saracens win a penalty.

"Sometimes you see somebody do it and think 'that looks a bit cringey', to be looking at yourself [on the big screens] after a turnover. But, it's pretty just natural. I definitely I don't have pre planned celebrations in my head.

"Some players do, but it just comes in naturally. I suppose when the game is real tough, having gone through a load of phases, then it's bit of a big pressure release. When it's a big moment in the game, it swings the game a bit, and the emotion comes out."

McCarthy continued to reveal how for a lock forward, bagging himself a pivotal turnover or dominating the opposition for a scrum penalty feels just as good as scoring a try.

"I love getting them maul turn overs and big tackles. They are definitely as satisfying as scoring a try. Scoring a try is pretty cool as well. I'd like to get more of those, maybe. But, one hundred [per cent], I love getting those. They feel as satisfying, getting the good scrum penalty when your pack is all in sync together. Getting that that feels amazing."

McCarthy wasted no time in making an impact from the bench, as Ireland took the fight to Wales in their latest Six Nations outing. The Leinster lock was chomping at the bit to get into the fold, having warmed up and ditched the substitute coat, only to find himself standing on the touchline for a break in play.

"I took my jacket off and it was a bit cold on Friday night. I ended up standing there for like five minutes, so you don't want to be feeling flat and cold going onto the pitch. I wanted to feel energised coming on.

"There was a crew of us wrestling with Tom Clarkson on the side of the pitch before getting on, making him feel primed. You want to make sure you're up to the pitch of the game, because you're coming into it and might have been sitting down for 15 minutes. I wanted to make sure I felt zippy and ready to go."

McCarthy then stunned all onlookers at the Aviva Stadium, as he unleashed an expertly weighted grubber kick along the left wing for his first touch of the ball.

"I think I always had it up the sleeve!" The lock quipped. "I don't kick very much in games. I don't think I've kicked in an international game, but I felt pretty natural when it happened. Thankfully it came off the foot alright, it didn't hit off my shin or anything. It felt like the right option and I definitely felt like I had it in the locker."

Such is an example as to how the 24-year-old feels free to express himself in a green jersey, with this past Friday night marking his 23rd senior test cap. McCarthy rightfully revealed how he has plenty to give for his country, as he continues to push his own standards heading into the Triple Crown decider.

"I still feel like a pretty young player. I feel like I always have loads more to give then to get better at. My like game or standards get a lot better, [I am] making more opportunities for myself now, [compared] to where I started.

"I can influence a game in different ways. Maybe you see you're a bit faster, you see opportunities you get in the end of balls a bit more. You're bit ahead of it in defence. I feel like those are the sort of areas I get better at. It's always a process when you're playing, you have to keep getting better and evolving.

"I'm still getting better every every year, every game. I look back to games a year ago or, last season. I look through a game and go, 'I'm way better than I was then'. I just keep kind of learning the whole time."