Ireland and Scotland face off in their final match of Pool B, with the two sides looking to secure their place in the knockout stages. There is a lot riding on this match, with either side facing the very real possibility of being eliminated from the competition at the end of the 80 minutes.
What: Rugby World Cup – Pool B
Who: Ireland vs. Scotland
When: 07/10/2023 – 21:00 local time
Where: Stade de France, Paris
Line ups:
Ireland:
Keenan; M Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Beirne, Henderson; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Murray, Crowley, McCloskey.
Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell, Price; Schoeman, Turner, Fagerson, Gray, Gilchrist, Ritchie (capt), Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Crosbie, Horne, Smith.
Stats:
Prediction:
Ireland 37 – 24 Scotland
Ireland head into the match as overwhelming favourites thanks to their unflappable consistency in the tournament so far, as well as the past two years of world rugby domination. In what many are now seeing as their first knockout match, Ireland have to face the real challenge that has faltered them many a time in the past - pressure.
The men in green have been known in the past to fall when the times are tight, particularly in World Cup scenarios. Their quarter final exits in the past have be a source of much pain for the Irish, brought up in conversation many more times than they would like. This time around it feels different, there is a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment not felt before. The glue that connects this entire Ireland team is the kryptonite to all opponents.
That's why, despite Scotland entering this match filled with talent and an exciting style of rugby, Ireland will be too hard a side to break down and defeat.
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