Ireland vs Scotland LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result as superb Irish punish Scots to reach quarter-finals

Ireland bulldozed into the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals by crushing Scotland 36-14 to earn a a bonus-point victory that also sent defending champions South Africa through.

Top-ranked Ireland, who finished first in Pool B with 19 points, will face New Zealand for a semi-final place next weekend while South Africa take on hosts France.

Ireland capitalised on a fast start as James Lowe touched down after 63 seconds before Hugo Keenan twice, Iain Henderson, Dan Sheehan and Garry Ringrose crossed the line and Johnny Sexton added three conversions to give Andy Farrell’s side their 17th test win in a row.

Scotland, suffering their ninth consecutive defeat by the Irish, scored two consolation tries in the second half through Ewan Ashman and Ali Price, which Finn Russell converted.

Follow all the action as Ireland face Scotland in Pool B plus get the latest tips and odds for the match right here:

Ireland vs Scotland live

• REPORT: Ireland march past Scotland and give the World Cup a performance to fear

• FULL TIME! Impressive Ireland thrash Scotland to set up New Zealand clash

• Scotland suffer second consecutive pool stage exit after 36-14 defeat

• TRY! Ireland 36-14 Scotland (Price, 66 mins)

• TRY! Ireland 36-7 Scotland (Ashman, 64 mins)

• TRY! Ireland 36-0 Scotland (Ringrose, 58 mins)

• TRY! Ireland 31-0 Scotland (Sheehan, 44 mins)

• YELLOW CARD! Ireland 26-0 Scotland (Smith, 41 mins)

• TRY! Ireland 26-0 Scotland (Keenan, 39 mins)

• TRY! Ireland 19-0 Scotland (Henderson, 32 mins)

• TRY! Ireland 12-0 Scotland (Keenan, 26 mins)

• TRY! Ireland 5-0 Scotland (Lowe, 2 mins)

Ireland march past Scotland and give the World Cup a performance to fear

22:12 , Ben Fleming

The pool of death chose its victim; Ireland most decisively wielded the scythe. So much for nip-and-tuck contest befitting a knockout occasion – Scotland were swept away like flotsam in a sea of Irish green. If their win over the Springboks was a statement of Rugby World Cup candidacy, here was the sort of showing to strike fear into opponents to come, perhaps the best performance of a winning run now extended through a 17th game.

Just as a fortnight ago against South Africa, Irish visitors made their way in their thousands down the Parisienne walkways into their home away from home, the Stade de France verdant and vibrant throughout. How their fans will now believe that there might even be three more nights like this to come, with only a handful of injury frets to count as the cost from a performance of Celtic colossi.

It will be the All Blacks next Saturday night for Ireland, a mighty foe to be conquered. If this isn’t the year that the last eight hoodoo is ended, then perhaps it never will be. Certainly it will take some side to wipe away the emerald smile.

Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s report from the Stade de France below:

Ireland march past Scotland and give the World Cup a performance to fear

Jamie Ritchie, Scotland captain, speaking to ITV after the game

22:22 , Ben Fleming

“Disappointment is a good word [to sum up the game]. You have to credit Ireland - they were the better team on the night. We thought we had enough but we didn’t put it out there tonight. Proud of how we stayed in the fight and got a few scores back but we need to be better.

“It’s a tough one. We fully believed that we had enough to beat them but it just wasn’t our night.

“It’s a bit raw just now looking at it. We had two big games and we had to get one right but we didn’t get either of them right so we need to look within ourselves and see where we can be better but I’m proud of the group and the way we have been with each other throughout this campaign.

“It’s a hard thing to do to be away from your families and loved ones for such a long time and be with a group of blokes but I couldn’t have asked for a better group and I’m really proud of how we’ve stuck together throughout this period/ But we need to be better on the field in these big games and that’s what we’ll look to do going forward.”

Gregor Townsend, Scotland head coach, talking to BBC Sport after the game

22:14 , Ben Fleming

“They were very clinical, very accurate and I thought they put a huge effort in defensively when we had a bit of pressure in that first 20 minutes. They are an outstanding team and we saw that tonight.

“When you play the top teams, you’ve got to take your opportunities and we didn’t do that. That was probably our best period of the game and when the game was lost we did come back into it.

“I’m proud of the effort in the second half. The game had gotten away from us, so we focused on winning back respect. To get two tries against such a top team, we’ll take a little bit out of that.

“We’re very disappointed with the result and the first-half performance, but credit to Ireland who were very good.”

Jonny Sexton, Ireland captain, speaking to ITV after the game

22:10 , Ben Fleming

“I thought it wouldn’t get any better after the South Africa game but the fans proved me wrong again. They were incredible. They keep turning up for us and it’s important we keep turning up for them. We’re delighted to win the pool and we know this is where we want to be now against the toughest opposition we can get in the quarter-final.

“The way the draw was made three years ago turned out a bit unfair but it was the hand we were dealt and now we’ve got to be ready for New Zealand next week.”

FULL-TIME: Ireland 36-14 Scotland

22:07 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"Let the party begin. The Scottish shirts have disappeared into the Paris night but the floods of green jersey remain, swaying to the Irish beat. What a performance that was - and surely fans of Andy Farrell's side will now believe there could yet be three more visits here before this tournament is over."

FULL-TIME: Ireland 36-14 Scotland

22:04 , Ben Fleming

Contrasting emotions at full-time:

FULL-TIME: Ireland 36-14 Scotland

22:00 , Ben Fleming

Such a clinical performance from Ireland and they will go into that crunch quarter-final clash against the Kiwis full of confidence.

An unbeaten group stage - could this finally be their year?

FULL-TIME: Ireland 36-14 Scotland

21:54 , Ben Fleming

Scotland attempt a late burst through Van Der Merwe but nothing is doing and Ireland punt the ball into the stands.

Scotland’s World Cup dreams come to an end in crushing fashion. They were simply blitzed in that first half and had no response for the excellent Irish attack.

Sexton’s men will go on to face New Zealand next but it’s another group-stage exit fro Scotland.

DISALLOWED! Ireland 36-14 Scotland

21:53 , Ben Fleming

80 mins: Bealham thinks he has gone over for a late try but TMO has picked up a knock on in the build-up and the try won’t stand.

Ireland 36-14 Scotland

21:51 , Ben Fleming

78 mins: A penalty from the scrum as Ireland head to the corner for one final time in this game.

Ireland 36-14 Scotland

21:50 , Ben Fleming

77 mins: The game is fizzling out somewhat now. There’s no comeback on the cards at this stage of the game and the party has already begun in the stands from those in green.

Ireland 36-14 Scotland

21:46 , Ben Fleming

74 mins: Fatigue starting to creep into Scotland’s play as Ireland win yet another penalty at the breakdown. Some much-needed territory and a chance to run down the clock again.

Ireland 36-14 Scotland

21:43 , Ben Fleming

71 mins: The clock ticks into the final ten minutes here in Paris and Ireland have just slowed down the pace after those two quickfire Scotland scores. Just time for cool heads in the Irish camp to ensure nothing unthinkable occurs.

TRY! Ireland 36-14 Scotland (Price, 66 mins)

21:37 , Ben Fleming

Well, that’s two now....

A marvellous move from the Scottish as Jones makes a surging run down the left. He glides past Aki and feeds Smith infield. The substitute surges infield before feeding Price who races under the posts to give Scotland their second try in as many minutes.

A couple more of those and this thing could get interesting...

TRY! Ireland 36-7 Scotland (Ashman, 64 mins)

21:34 , Ben Fleming

It feels like little more than a consolation at this stage but at least the Scottish fans have something to cheer for as Ashman surges over down the right side.

Russell adds the conversion.

Ireland 36-0 Scotland

21:33 , Ben Fleming

63 mins: Scotland, to their credit, win a free-kick back from the penalty but it’s all too little, too late at this stage.

Ireland 36-0 Scotland

21:32 , Ben Fleming

61 mins: Scotland’s confidence is in tatters as Smith knocks on from Crowley’s low grubber kick.

Bundek Aki first pumps towards the crowd and the Irish contingent inside the Stade de France roar back in celebration with him.

TRY! Ireland 36-0 Scotland (Ringrose, 58 mins)

21:29 , Ben Fleming

A tackle off the ball from Gray allows Ireland the opportunity to gain some territory up the pitch. They go in search of their sixth try...and they have it!

Crowley digs out a superb cross-field kick and Ringrose, out on the right win, has the simplest of tasks and touches down for yet another Ireland try.

Crowley’s conversion effort doesn’t land as it flicks the outside of the post.

Ireland 31-0 Scotland

21:21 , Ben Fleming

53 mins: Scotland go in search of their first score of the game but still the Irish defence holds firm. Back they come for an earlier penalty...but Scotland knock the ball on straight away.

Everything going Ireland’s way.

Ireland 31-0 Scotland

21:19 , Ben Fleming

50 mins: Better from Russell this time with the boot as he produces a 50-22 to get Scotland the ball close to the Irish tryline for the first time in this second half.

Ireland 31-0 Scotland

21:17 , Ben Fleming

48 mins: Scotland win a penalty after a knock-on at the ruck but Russell fails to find the corner with the penalty.

Nothing going Scotland’s way as Ireland make a slew of changes in the forward line.

Ireland 31-0 Scotland

21:15 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"Ireland are underlining exactly why they are the number one side in the world - again. Remember, at Murrayfield in March they had to play 35 minutes with prop Cian Healy scrummaging at hooker and flanker Josh van der Flier throwing lineouts; here, they've got a centre in Garry Ringrose on one wing and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park on the other after James Lowe's half-time withdrawal. Gibson-Park looked pretty comfortable in that passage, first darting up the right and then looping to the left to deliver the try-scoring pass."

TRY! Ireland 31-0 Scotland (Sheehan, 44 mins)

21:13 , Ben Fleming

In that pushing and showing earlier, Sheehan was sent over an advertising board by Schoeman. Well, the Irish hooker has his revenge as he goes over in the far corner as Scotland’s numbers disadvantage tells immediately.

The worst start possible after the break.

Sexton can’t add the extras but Ireland inch into the thirties regardless. In fact, that will be the fly-half’s last action of the game as he makes way for Crowley.

YELLOW CARD! Ireland 26-0 Scotland

21:11 , Ben Fleming

42 mins: All that commotion started when Smith tried to trip up Sexton. The referee isn’t having any of it and sends the Scottish replacement to the sin bin with a yellow card.

A daft decision from the Scot and they’re temporarily down to 14 men.

Ireland 26-0 Scotland

21:07 , Ben Fleming

42 mins: Much like the first half, Scotland put the phase play together but nothing is getting past the Irish defence. A cross-field kick is caught by Graham but he’s out of play and now there’s plenty of pushing and shoving between both sides.

KICK-OFF: Ireland 26-0 Scotland

21:04 , Ben Fleming

Scotland with a mountain to climb in this second period as Russell gets us under way after the break.

HALF-TIME: Ireland 26-0 Scotland

20:53 , Ben Fleming

One-way traffic.

HALF-TIME: Ireland 26-0 Scotland

20:52 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"Yikes. So much for a nip-and-tuck, do-or-die decider - Ireland were rampant in that second 20 minutes and already have a bonus point in the bag, with Scotland's ship listing in the absence of their injured skipper. The Irish fans inside the Stade de France can hardly believe their side's dominance, with their Parisian fun extended by another week at least - it looks like it will be New Zealand next Saturday for Andy Farrell's men."

HALF-TIME: Ireland 26-0 Scotland

20:50 , Ben Fleming

An absolute demolition job from Ireland in the first half and Scotland’s World Cup journey is all but over.

26 points down. A comeback of epic proportions is required after the break.

TRY! Ireland 26-0 Scotland (Keenan, 39 mins)

20:48 , Ben Fleming

The Irish are running riot in Paris. Keenan surges over as Ireland fling it wide. The Scottish defence is nowhere to be seen and Sexton’s side have their bonus-point try before the half-time whistle.

Sexton converts for the extra two.

Ireland 19-0 Scotland

20:46 , Ben Fleming

37 mins: Ireland are looking to put this game to bed as they hunt a bonus-point score before the break. They come up short but a penalty comes their way.

A slight rarity as they tap and go but it breaks down, unusually, as the ball smashes into the chest of the referee who was caught out by the switch of play.

Unfortunate for Ireland but they have a scrum.

Ireland 19-0 Scotland

20:43 , Ben Fleming

35 mins: Hansen had made his way back onto the pitch but he’s now back off again and removing his scrum cap.

Looks like he won’t be playing any further part in this game.

McCloskey back on again and Ringrose will shuffle across to the wing once more.

TRY! Ireland 19-0 Scotland (Henderson, 32 mins)

20:41 , Ben Fleming

Difficult to see how Scotland can come back from this. Henderson powers off from close range as Ireland find their third just after the half-hour mark.

Sexton converts from the tee for the extra two and a group-stage exit is staring Scotland straight in the face.

Ireland 12-0 Scotland

20:37 , Ben Fleming

29 mins: It’s all going Ireland’s way in this contest so far. Turner is nailed by the Irish defence and they win another penalty at the breakdown.

Ireland 12-0 Scotland

20:36 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"Just delightful from Ireland. After Mack Hansen's injury, Bundee Aki has pushed out to 13 and Garry Ringrose to the wing, but such is their comfort in their set plays that they can execute something as intricate as that seamlessly. Gorgeous attacking rugby"

TRY! Ireland 12-0 Scotland (Keenan, 26 mins)

20:35 , Ben Fleming

Clinical from the Irish and they have their second score. Aki makes the big burst through the line and Scotland’s midfield is found wanting again.

Like the first try, it’s that left corner that Ireland score in as Keenan goes over for the try.

Sexton adds the extras this time.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:31 , Ben Fleming

24 mins: A Scotland turnover and Russell is inches away from a 50-22 with a superb kick. Lowe retreats well to prevent in and Scotland then lose the ball from the resulting lineout.

A small opportunity wasted there.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:28 , Ben Fleming

22 mins: More enforced changes as Hansen now heads down the tunnel for a head injury assessment. McCloskey replaces him temporarily.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:26 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"That's a real shame for Scotland, Jamie Ritchie and the game - off goes the Scotland skipper in discomfort having suffered a blow early in the game. Gregor Townsend did opt for six forward replacements, but with Blair Kinghorn not having returned from his HIA, the Scotland coach may not get the final quarter bench boost he was hoping for."

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:24 , Ben Fleming

19 mins: So close to a second for Ireland. O’Mahony makes the burst through the Scottish line but Hansen can’t quite control the pass which comes his way with the Irish winger a matter of metres from the tryline.

And more bad news for Scotland as captain Ritchie has to make way with an injury. Fagerson on in his place.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:21 , Ben Fleming

16 mins: Ireland get their first chance to run with the ball in a while, but a thumping tackle from Gilchrist forces the Irish knock on and they win the scrum.

Some bad news from the Scottish bench, though, as Kinghorn - starting his 50th cap - will play no further part in this game after failing his head injury assessment.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:20 , Ben Fleming

15 mins: A penalty now coming for Ireland from the scrum and a chance to properly clear their lines.

How much will Scotland come to regret not taking the three points so early in this encounter?

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:18 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"20 phases of huff and puff but Scotland never looked close to blowing the Irish house down there. An immense defensive effort from Simon Easterby's unit, who have clearly picked up on how South Africa managed to stall Scotland in the opening pool fixture: pour bodies into the breakdown and counter-ruck aggressively."

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:17 , Ben Fleming

14 mins: Smith shows excellent hands to keep the play alive but Scotland are still struggling to breach this disciplined Irish defence.

Into double-digit phases and still Scotland come.

Free-kick Ireland! What an effort from the men in green and after all that pressure, Gregor Townsend’s side will be coming away with nothing.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:14 , Ben Fleming

11 mins: Scotland fling it wide from the lineout as Graham looks to sneak over in the corner. He’s held up but Scotland have another penalty after Ireland were off their feet at the ruck.

To the corner again...

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:13 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"That's two eminently kickable penalties turned down by Scotland now. Clearly they feel their only chance of progressing will be a bonus point win after that fast Ireland start."

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:12 , Ben Fleming

10 mins: An early victory at the scrum for Scotland as they win the penalty but again they decide against the three points and head to the corner.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:11 , Ben Fleming

8 mins: An early head injury assessment means Kinghorn has to make way for Smith. Hopefully, for Scotland that will be reversed in a short while.

The first scrum of the game for Scotland after Ireland lose the ball at the lineout

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:09 , Ben Fleming

7 mins: The first test for the Ireland defence and they pass with flying colours. Scotland fail to breach their defence and Andy Farrell’s men win the penalty at the breakdown and get a chance to clear.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:07 , Ben Fleming

5 mins: Scotland get their hands on the ball for the first time in this encounter as they look to recover from that early Ireland score.

A chance now for them as they kick for the corner after a high tackle from Doris on Schoeman.

Ireland 5-0 Scotland

20:05 , Ben Fleming

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France:

"So much for a fast Scottish start. Excellent identification of the gap from Garry Ringrose, spotting Grant Gilchrist exposed wide in the defensive line and darting past him, before having the cool and the calm to put his two wings away. But that all felt rather easy for Ireland, a simple pull-back play all that was required to cut the opposition open in their first attacking movement."

TRY! Ireland 5-0 Scotland (Lowe, 2 mins)

20:05 , Ben Fleming

What a start for Ireland as the Stade de France erupts with noise. Ringrose makes the burst through the Scottish line and from there, the Scottish defence has no chance.

Ringrose finds Hansen. Hansen finds Lowe. Down in the corner and Ireland have a try just over a minute into this encounter.

Sexton misses the conversion.

KICK-OFF! Ireland 0-0 Scotland

20:02 , Ben Fleming

The anthems have been sung, the atmosphere is electric. Ireland get us under way in this huge group-stage finale!

Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade de France

20:01 , Ben Fleming

Harry is The Independent’s man in the ground for this one. He sends this in before kick-off:

"It's like an Ireland home game in here - green shirts all around the Stade de France and already generating one heck of an atmosphere. The start, you feel, is crucial: Scotland simply have to match Andy Farrell's men early on."

Kick-off moments away

19:55 , Ben Fleming

The players converge in the tunnel and kick-off is fast approaching!

Time for the anthems...

Ireland vs Scotland line-ups

19:45 , Ben Fleming

A quick reminder of the teams with 15 minutes until kick-off:

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Iain Henderson; 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier; 8 Caelan Doris; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Johnny Sexton (captain); 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 David Kilcoyne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Stuart McCloskey.

Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Richie Gray, 5 Grant Gilchrist; 6 Jamie Ritchie (captain), 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ali Price, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.

Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 WP Nel, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Matt Fagerson, 21 Luke Crosbie; 22 George Horne, 23 Ollie Smith.

Ireland vs Scotland

19:42 , Mike Jones

When Ireland played Scotland in the 2023 Six Nations, the ball-in-play time was an astonishing 38 minutes.

Heading into this final round of matches at the Rugby World Cup, only three games have had a higher figure: Scotland vs Romania, at 39 minutes and 40 seconds, and Wales vs Portugal, at 38 minutes and 21 seconds.

Another match involving Wales, against Fiji, is next on the list at 37 minutes and 52 seconds. Will this one be as draining for the players?

Darcy Graham on ‘do or die’ outing for Scotland

19:36 , Mike Jones

Scotland’s Darcy Graham is adamant his team – ranked fifth in the world – are ready to dig deep for what would be one of the biggest wins in their history.

“It’s winner takes all, we want to get out of the group and they want to get out of the group so both teams will be going for it,” said the Scottish wing.

“It’s going to be a hell of a game.

“It’s do or die now, it’s pretty much a World Cup final for us. We’ll take huge confidence from Romania and now we need to get our preparation right.

“We’re going to have to go to a dark place but the boys are up for it. It’s an exciting week. There’s going to be massive support from Scotland and Ireland fans so there’s going to be a real buzz going into this game.”

Scotland make shock change for crucial World Cup match with Ireland

19:30 , Mike Jones

Scrum half Ali Price has been handed a surprise start for Scotland’s Rugby World Cup Pool B qualification shootout with Ireland on Saturday, as regular No 9 Ben White misses out on a place in the 23 altogether.

The 30-year-old Glasgow back made the No 9 jersey his own for three years until losing his spot to the burgeoning White at the start of this year’s Six Nations.

But after scoring a try when a much-changed XV defeated Romania in Lille last Saturday, Price has remained in the team for this weekend’s Paris showdown.

Scotland make shock change for crucial World Cup match with Ireland

Sexton versus Russell

19:17 , Mike Jones

In an intriguing sub-plot, two of the world’s leading number 10s will vie to dictate proceedings.

Veteran Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has seamlessly returned from an absence of almost six months through injury and suspension to lead his side to three successive victories and become his country’s all-time leading points scorer along the way.

The 2018 world player of the year is as dependable and fiercely competitive as ever and repeatedly delivers when it matters most. Scotland’s Finn Russell, meanwhile, has the ability to unlock a game in any given moment.

The talismanic 31-year-old, who was preferred to Sexton for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour, may well be at the peak of his powers and will be out to conjure some magic when his nation needs it most.

Springboks made to sweat

19:03 , Mike Jones

South African eyes will also be firmly fixed on what promises to be a tense affair.

The reigning champions completed their pool-stage fixtures last weekend but, due to a quirk in the tournament regulations, could still crash out if all three nations end level on 15 points.

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.

Talk of conspiracy theories and possible collusion was immediately put to Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber, who expressed hope there would be no “match-fixing”.

Never one to shy away from mind games, South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus claimed his side were in the preferential position.

The permutations – who needs what?

18:56 , Mike Jones

One of the top five teams in the world is set to be eliminated from the tournament.

Barring an unlikely result in the French capital, it will be Ireland, ranked number one, or Scotland, ranked fifth, who bite the dust. Ireland are firmly in the driving seat for qualification.

All Andy Farrell’s team need to qualify is a losing bonus point while denying the Scots a winning bonus. That scenario would be enough for the Irish to finish top of the pool ahead of South Africa.

The Scots face a far taller order. Gregor Townsend’s side must win with a bonus point (by scoring at least four tries) or by denying their opponents a losing bonus.

Stuart Hogg: Here’s how Scotland can shock Ireland and escape group of death

18:45 , Mike Jones

This match against Ireland is the biggest game in a long, long time for Scotland. Pool B was talked about as the pool of death and one of either Ireland, Scotland and South Africa could potentially go home. This is what you want – the drama on the last weekend of the pool stages.

This Scotland side doesn’t deserve to be heading home at this stage. This side that has been building for the last four years doesn’t deserve to not be playing knockout rugby at the World Cup. It is just so unfortunate with the way the draw lies and the pool stages have played out that one of the top five teams in the current rankings isn’t going to be involved in the next stage.

As a player, you have to approach this game with the exact same mentality as any other. There will obviously be a little more tension due to what is on the line but you can’t concentrate on that. Everybody will be aware of the ramifications after 80 minutes, but I know that Scotland will only be focused on the start of the game and making sure that they get that area of it right. Ireland are notorious fast starters; those first 20 minutes could be the best rugby we’ve seen so far at this World Cup.

Stuart Hogg: Here’s how Scotland can shock Ireland and escape group of death

Ireland vs Scotland permutations

18:34 , Mike Jones

The only way that South Africa can go out of the tournament is if Scotland beat Ireland with a bonus point and by a margin of 21 points or more, with Andy Farrell’s side taking a try bonus point - Scotland would then top the pool on points difference, with the grand slam winners joining them in the last eight due to their win over South Africa.

It could leave a scenario where Ireland actively need Scotland to score a late try to progress. In a hypothetical situation where Ireland have already scored four tries but find themselves down by 17 points in the final moments, a Scotland try to boost their point difference would be far more beneficial than an Ireland score.

Ireland will top Pool B provided they win their final fixture, while the most straightforward route to qualification for the Scots is to win with a bonus point whilst denying their opponents anything. A non-bonus point win would also be sufficient provided the Irish do not finish within seven points.

Ireland vs Scotland line-ups

18:17 , Mike Jones

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Iain Henderson; 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier; 8 Caelan Doris; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Johnny Sexton (captain); 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 David Kilcoyne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Stuart McCloskey.

Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Richie Gray, 5 Grant Gilchrist; 6 Jamie Ritchie (captain), 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ali Price, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.

Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 WP Nel, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Matt Fagerson, 21 Luke Crosbie; 22 George Horne, 23 Ollie Smith.

Ireland vs Scotland team news

18:12 , Mike Jones

Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony will win his 100th cap after being named in the back row, while coach Andy Farrell makes two changes to the side that beat South Africa in Paris two weeks ago – Dan Sheehan coming in for Ronan Kelleher at hooker and James Ryan replaced by Iain Henderson in the second row.

Irish record points-scorer Johnny Sexton will once again start at fly half with Jamison Gibson-Park preferred to Conor Murray at scrum half and forward Jack Conan is in with a chance of making his first World Cup appearance after being named on the bench. Robbie Henshaw’s World Cup is in doubt due to a hamstring injury.

Gregor Townsend has opted for Ali Price at scrum half, with regular first-choice nine Ben White dropping out of the squad entirely. Otherwise, it’s a settled scottish squad, with the back row trio of Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey starting again.

The three have extra back-up on the bench, though, with Matt Fagerson and Luke Crosbie two of six forward replacements included in the matchday 23. That means that there is no place for Hamish Watson despite an impressive showing against Romania. Blair Kinghorn, meanwhile, wins his 50th cap.

How to watch Ireland vs Scotland

18:06 , Mike Jones

Ireland vs Scotland is due to kick off at 8pm BST, 9pm local time on Saturday 7th October at the Stade de France in Paris.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match on ITV1 with coverage starting at 7.15pm. Registered users will also be able to watch the match online on ITVX.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.

Ireland vs Scotland

18:00 , Mike Jones

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of this Ireland vs Scotland clash at the Rugby World Cup.

Scotland’s progress at this tournament is hanging by a thread and they must beat the world’s No. 1 team tonight to have any hopes of reaching the last eight.

Pool B has been one of the more difficult groupings with one of South Africa, Scotland or Ireland heading home before the knockout rounds.

South Africa currently top the group with 15 points and should be relatively safe from elimination. Scotland meanwhile are in third needing at least a victory over Ireland to draw level on points with Andy Farrell’s men.

For their part a win puts Ireland to the top of Pool B but a loss leaves them vulnerable to being knocked out. Everything’s to play for as the teams go toe-to-toe in Paris tonight.