For both sides this year's Six Nations has become a mournful tale of what might have been.
But for a controversial last-gasp penalty against Wales and an inability to build on a 17-6 lead against France, Ireland could have been approaching this game still chasing a Grand Slam.
Scotland also scented victory against France and Wales, and had more opportunities than they should have needed to beat England.
Yet they arrive in Dublin contemplating another battle to avoid the Wooden Spoon.
The question is, how long can Andy Robinson's tenure be sustained by talk of potential and promise before it is silenced by the growing hum of statistics?
They have now lost five consecutive Tests - their longest winless run since 2004. The need to deliver is pressing. Given the fact they have a poor Six Nations record against Ireland, Scotland's chances of breaking that losing streak would appear remote.
Yet there is hope to be found, not least in the memory of their last Six Nations trip to Dublin.
In 2010 they arrived at Croke Park for the final game of that year's tournament having lost all previous four matches. The Scots went on to upset the odds that day with a dramatic victory.
This time Scotland will face an Ireland team nursing the disappointment of seeing a dominant position against France evaporate into the anti-climax of a draw.
Positives were drawn from the performance, but the result was a blow to Irish hearts and minds.
The game also took a physical toll, ruling out Paul O'Connell and Conor Murray for the rest of the Championship.
While Ireland were going toe-to-toe with the French, Scotland had their feet up. The extra week's rest could be another decisive factor.
Nevertheless the Irish, despite entering a Championship game without O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll in their starting XV for the first time since 2001, will still begin as favourites.
In Tommy Bowe they have a lethal weapon who has plundered five tries this year. But they are not infallible.
With only Italy left to play, this is Scotland's last chance to produce a truly significant result. If their youngsters can build on the promise they have previously shown, an upset may be in the offing.
Ireland : 15-Kearney, 14-Bowe, 13-Earls, 12-D'Arcy, 11-Trimble, 10-Sexton, 9-Reddan; 1-Healy, 2-Best (capt), 3-Ross, 4-O'Callaghan, 5-Ryan, 6-Ferris, 7-O'Mahony, 8-Heaslip
Replacements: 16-Cronin, 17-Court, 18-McCarthy, 19-Jennings, 20-O'Leary, 21-O'Gara, 22-McFadden
Scotland : 15-Hogg, 14-Jones, 13-De Luca, 12-Morrison, 11-Lamont, 10-Laidlaw, 9-Blair; 1-Jacobsen, 2-Ford, 3-Cross, 4-Gray, 5-Hamilton, 6-Barclay, 7-Rennie, 8-Denton
Replacements: 16-Lawson, 17-Murray, 18-Kellock, 19-Vernon, 20-Cusiter, 21-Jackson, 22-Evans
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee : Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Touch judges : Romain Poite (France), Greg Garner (England)
TV : Giulio De Santis (Italy)