Rugby World Cup: Stephen Ferris previews Ireland v Scotland
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Stephen Ferris gives his thoughts on Saturday’s Pool B clash between Ireland and Scotland, with a place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on the line for both nations.
Ireland, the world’s top-ranked team, enter the contest as the resounding 1/7 favourites. They have triumphed over Scotland in their past eight encounters, with Scotland’s last victory dating back to February 2017.
For Ireland, the equation is clear. Victory would propel them to the top of Pool B. However, Scotland’s path to advancement is more intricate. To secure their spot, they not only need to win but must do so by a margin of eight points or more. Alternatively, they could qualify by scoring four tries or more and outscoring Ireland by more than five points. In an even more complex scenario, both teams could advance if Scotland prevail by a margin of 21 points or more and Ireland garner a bonus-try point. Such permutations add a mathematical layer of intrigue to this pivotal match.
Ireland are the 11-point favourites, a spread that appears difficult to thwart, barring an unexpected performance. While superstitions don’t usually hold weight in professional sports, some Scottish fans might argue that Ireland haev indeed become their bogey team.
Blessed with a healthy squad, Andy Farrell has the luxury of selecting his strongest line-up. While there are players in the wider squad yet to experience World Cup rugby, the significance of this critical match may deter experimentation. Ireland are expected to maintain their aggressive approach, but Scotland retain the potential to throw a spanner in the works.
Scotland go into this encounter brimming with confidence following a dominant performance against Romania, during which they scored an impressive 12 tries. Darcy Graham, who bagged four tries in that match, could challenge for a starting spot among the preferred wingers. Hamish Watson’s imposing physicality will be pivotal in countering Ireland’s formidable back row if selected. Coach Gregor Townsend is likely to make changes to the line-up that dismantled Romania, crafting a strategy to scupper Ireland’s relentless form.
All eyes are on Ireland, a team that have conquered New Zealand on foreign soil, secured a Grand Slam title, and remained unbeaten throughout the year. It would take a monumental stumble for them to falter in this match. While anticipation lingers for a tournament-altering upset, Scotland face the daunting task of being the spoiler. However, such an outcome appears improbable, given Ireland’s formidable form.
Prediction: Ireland to triumph by +11 points at evens
