Ireland 'have lost element of surprise' - Dalton

Aoife Dalton was named player of the match in Ireland's win in Italy in the Six Nations

Centre Aoife Dalton says Ireland have "lost that element of surprise now" with their run of good form.

After slipping down the world rankings, Ireland can secure back-to-back third-place finishes in the Women's Six Nations with victory over Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday (15:00 BST).

In the past six months, Scott Bemand's side have also beaten New Zealand and Australia to climb up to fifth in the world.

"We don't tend to shock teams any more when we put in a good performance," said Dalton.

"We're well prepared so we do know what's coming. It's probably just dealing with pressure and stuff now.

"As the coaches say, we've earned the right to come out and say we want to go over there and win, and we want to put big scores up against teams."

Ireland had been without an away win in the Six Nations since 2021 heading into the tournament, but are looking to make it three consecutive victories on the road after beating Italy and Wales earlier in the competition.

Dalton, 21, said Ireland wanted to "re-write the narrative" of their away form and hope to beat Scotland on Saturday to complete the set.

"We targeted all the away games. We've got two wins out of four now and put in some good performances," she added.

"But at the same time we lost over there two years ago, they've one win, it's the last game and they are at home.

"They're going to come out all guns blazing and we have to be ready for that."