- Only two can progress from high quality Pool B
- Ireland are ready to go after break
- Do or die for Scotland
The forthcoming clash between Ireland and Scotland in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup holds immense significance, as it will determine which two teams progress to the next stage.
Ireland stands poised to lead the group if they manage to secure a victory or sustain a loss by a margin of four points or fewer. Conversely, a win for Scotland, coupled with preventing Ireland from gaining a bonus point, would propel them forward and eliminate Ireland from contention.
In the event that Ireland, Scotland and South Africa all conclude with an equal 15 points, the squad with the superior points difference will clinch the top spot, with the second spot going to the team victorious in the match between the remaining two sides.
Ireland “raring to go” – Doris
Following their hard-fought 13-8 victory over the reigning world champions South Africa in Paris, Ireland have resumed training. Number 8 Caelan Doris disclosed that the team is eagerly anticipating the upcoming challenge.
Despite a demanding 2023 season, Doris and his teammates have reaped the benefits of a well-structured schedule, including a well-timed week off after a gruelling encounter with the formidable Springboks.
Doris, who has earned 34 caps since his Test debut in 2020, emphasised that the team recognises their goal of advancing to the knockout stages remains unfulfilled, despite their initial success in the tournament.
“Our pre-season was done very well in terms of having a week off here and there and a few weeks off at the end of last season,” he explained.
“So I came into pre-season feeling pretty good and then I think the timing of this week, it’s pretty optimal as well in terms of three games on, a week off and then into the last big one.
“Some teams obviously had their week off at the start and some have it at the end which makes for four games in a row, which is a little bit tougher, but the timing of this has been good.
“I’m feeling pretty good going into a few days training now and then we’ll have Sunday off and be raring to go next week.
“Within camp we’re definitely aware that we’re still in the group stages. Nothing is concrete at all yet. We still have a massive match to come. We want to finish the group stages on a high definitely.
“We feel there’s a lot more from us performance wise, definitely, so the lads are ready for work and ready to go again.”
Graham likens clash to World Cup Final for the Scots
For Scotland, surmounting Ireland to qualify demands a level of performance hitherto unparalleled. In-form winger Darcy Graham expressed the gravity of the situation, likening it to a World Cup final.
He asserted their intention to claim victory in Paris, underlining their belief in their ability to best any team worldwide. The key, according to Graham, lies in maintaining peak performance not just for portions of the match, but for the entire 80 minutes.
“It’s do or die now,” It’s pretty much a World Cup final for us.
“We’re going to Paris to win. We’ve got the capability to go out there and beat any team in the world. We just have to get things right, not for 40 minutes or 60 minutes but for 80 minutes. We have to turn up and perform.”
As the match day approaches, the stakes are higher than ever for both Ireland and Scotland. Each team is fully aware of the importance of securing a positive outcome in this pivotal encounter.
Betting Implications
Ireland, ranked number one in the world, are heavy favourites to beat Scotland. At the time of writing bet365 have the Irish at 1/7 with Scotland 5/1 and a draw 40/1.
Ireland are joint favourites with South Africa to lift the trophy, with bet365 pricing both teams at 3/1.
Bettors need to study the Pool games so far to see if there is any way that the Scots might cause an upset and may need to think about a handicap bet to make things more interesting.
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