SCRUM Magazine – September 2019

POOL A

IRELAND

SCOTLAND

FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
TOKYO, KICK OFF 11:45AM
JAPAN VS RUSSIA

THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER

KOBE, KICK OFF 11:15AM

IRELAND VS RUSSIA

SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

YOKOHAMA, KICK OFF 8:45AM

IRELAND VS SCOTLAND

SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER

SHIZUOKA, KICK OFF 8:15AM

SCOTLAND VS RUSSIA

TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

KUMAGAYA, KICK OFF 11:15AM

RUSSIA VS SAMOA

WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER

SHIZUOKA, KICK OFF 8:15AM

SCOTLAND VS RUSSIA

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

SHIZUOKA, KICK OFF 8:15AM

JAPAN VS IRELAND

SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER

FUKUOKA, KICK OFF 11:45AM

IRELAND VS SAMOA

MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

KOBE, KICK OFF 11:15AM

SCOTLAND VS SAMOA

SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER

YOKOHAMA, KICK OFF 11:45AM

JAPAN VS SCOTLAND

Had this World Cup been 12 months ago, Ireland

would have been among the favourites, but the

last year or so has been tough for Joe Schmidt’s

side. Having toppled the All Blacks, both at home

and in Chicago, it seemed they had the rugby

world at their feet, but without Jonny Sexton and/

or Conor Murray for spells more recently, Ireland

have struggled.

They’ll likely come through the pool without too

much of a problem, although Scotland will push

them for top spot, but Schmidt will need his key

men - including outgoing captain Rory Best - to

be at their best.

SCRUM Prediction

Ireland’s schedule is kind to them, with arguably

their toughest match, against Scotland, up first.

Thereafter they take on the hosts - a potential

banana skin but one that Schmidt’s men should

avoid - and Samoa before their likely assault on

the knockout stages.

A pool containing the host nation and

Samoa - who so nearly denied Scotland a

quarter-final place four years ago - should have

alarm bells sounding, if not all-too loudly. Gregor

Townsend’s side have developed nicely since

he took over from Vern Cotter in 2017, and

Scotland’s attacking game should mean they’re

too strong for both the Japanese and the

south-sea islanders.

Townsend will hope to avoid injuries to key men

Finn Russell, Stuart McInally and Stuart Hogg if

they are to make inroads into the latter stages.

SCRUM Prediction

Scotland should be more than good enough

to make it to the quarter-finals, but it may be as

Pool A runners-up and that could lead to a

quarter-final clash with the All Blacks. A good

start to the tournament is essential to ensuring

their safe passage from the pool, though.

A safe pair of hands

for your savings

94 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • ISSUE 116 2019

RUGBY WORLD CUP - POOL GUIDE