In a complicated matrix of possible results lies the outcome of Rugby World Cup’s (RWC’s) Pool B. South Africa, Ireland or Scotland could top the log – or find themselves on the next plane home.
Scotland would do the Boks a favour if they beat Ireland by eight points or more. That outcome would allow the Boks to top the pool … and would see Scotland and Ireland finishing level
Either scenario is preferable, of course, to the one that sees South Africa finishing third in the pool and exiting the tournament before the knockout stage. The next tie-breaker would be points difference, followed by the difference between tries scored and conceded, then most points, most tries and, finally, world rankings as of 9 October. Ireland currently lead the rankings, followed by South Africa and Scotland .
On Sunday evening, the Boks have the chance to strengthen their playoff hopes. Coaches and players have spoken at length this week about the quest for a bonus-point victory that will push their log tally to 15 points and elevate them to the top of Pool B with one round to play. Then the final round would begin with Ireland on 14, the Boks on the same number and Scotland on 10. Scotland would move up to 14 points via a win against Ireland, although they would need to improve their points difference to South Africa to knock out the defending champs. That is possible if Scotland win big against Romania and the Boks struggle against Tonga.
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