Barring an unlikely result in the French capital, it will be Ireland, ranked number one, or Scotland, ranked fifth, who bite the dust. All Andy Farrell’s team need to qualify is a losing bonus point while denying the Scots a winning bonus. Gregor Townsend’s side must win with a bonus point (by scoring at least four tries) or by denying their opponents a losing bonus. For that improbable scenario to materialise, Scotland would need to win by 21 points or more and record a bonus point, with Ireland collecting a single losing bonus point. And will Scotland, already renowned for their intent, go even more gung-ho than normal in search of early points?

Source: The Herald October 06, 2023 13:34 UTC