‘There is a lot on the line’ – Ireland gear up for decisive Pool B clash with Scotland

Ireland’s Dan Sheehan insists the team is under no illusions of what is at stake when they meet Scotland in their final Rugby World Cup Pool B fixture.

It was always going to come down to the wire in the so-called ‘Pool of Death’ to the point where even Ireland, who has beaten every team, including the Springboks, is at risk of falling short of a place in the quarter-finals if they lose to Scotland without a bonus point.

Massive game

The clash between the two Six Nations rivals will determine the entire outcome of the pool, with South Africa potentially falling out if Scotland manages to beat Ireland by more than 21 points this weekend.

With that in mind, the stakes are clearly high, and it comes down to a crunch game. Sheehan insists the players know what needs to be done.

“We’re all aware of the different little permutations, but our job is to go out and win a game,” said Sheehan.

“I’m sure there’ll be scenarios throughout that; if we find ourselves in a situation, we’ll know what to do, and it would be stupid of us not to know it going into a match.

“Of course, everyone is fully aware of what we need to do at what time and depending on what the scoreline is.”

Much to consider

The pool sees the Springboks on top with 15, whilst Ireland and Scotland are behind with a game in hand on 14 and 10 respectively. It is important to note the first differential if two teams have the same points is their head-to-head result.

However, should there be a three-way tie the team with the best points difference wins the group with second place decided by head-to-head between the remaining teams.

“Obviously, there is a lot on the line, especially this week,” said Sheehan.

“But I think we probably stick to the same procedures in regards to preparation.

“I think you can be in danger of over-hyping a game or getting too feared up about an occasion, so realistically it’s pretty similar to a Test match, but obviously, everyone knows that there is a lot on the line.”

Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus tried to add pressure on the game by insisting he would rather be in their position than Ireland’s, even though the top-ranked side has not lost.

This caused debate amongst fans but not for Sheehan, who is uninterested in rugby media.

“I don’t read or contribute to any sports media, really,” he told reporters.

“I was just like that as a kid; I wasn’t really interested in… in your job, really.

“It’s just another Test week for me, and I sort of focus very much on what’s going on in the camp and what people tell me within the camp.”

As for Sheehan himself, he made a positive return from injury off the bench against South Africa and will likely slot back into his starting role as the must-win games head his team’s way.

“I feel in a great place, probably the fittest and the best condition I have been in a long time,” said Sheehan.

“It was nice to have that rehab window, where you can focus on other things as well. The body is in great shape.”

Permutations simplified

Ireland to top the pool

Two points from the game will secure the world’s top-ranked side the first spot in the group.
Ireland loses with a bonus point, and Scotland does not; then the side tops the pool due to the head-to-head with South Africa.

For South Africa to top the pool

Scotland would have to beat Ireland without the latter getting a losing bonus-point, resulting in the Springboks finishing top by virtue of the head-to-head rule over the Scots.
Scotland gets a bonus-point win, with Ireland taking nothing from the game would see South Africa top and the Scots second.

Scotland to top the pool

It would require a bonus-point win over Ireland, allied by a 21+ point margin, and for Andy Farrell’s men to claim a try bonus-point of their own. That is the only way the Scots can top the pool and means the Springboks would go out.

Unique scenario

There’s an interesting situation which, albeit very unlikely, could occur this weekend. Should Scotland find themselves 16 points ahead during the game, with both teams having claimed a try bonus-point, Ireland would be heading out. That would be because South Africa tops the pool on points difference, with the Scots finishing second due to their head-to-head result against Ireland.

However, if Gregor Townsend’s men were to score again to make the buffer 21+ points, Ireland head through because Scotland would be top on points difference, and the Irish would take second due to their victory over South Africa in Paris.

READ MORE: Springboks prepping for all scenarios as Pool B permutations are calculated