Publications
Partners
- Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt has laughed off suggestions that they could conspire with Scotland to knock the Boks out of the World Cup.
- If Scotland beat Ireland by 21 points or more, and both teams score four tries, then South Africa would be eliminated.
- Bok coach Jacques Nienaber said such a scenario would be "match-fixing".
- For more sports news, go to the News24 Sport front page.
Ireland attack coach Mike Catt has dismissed suggestions they could collude with Scotland to send South Africa out of the Rugby World Cup.
READ | Nienaber on suggestion of Ireland-Scotland ploy to eliminate Boks: 'That would be match-fixing'
There is a slim mathematical chance that South Africa could exit the tournament in the pool stages. For that to happen, Scotland must beat Ireland by a margin of 21 points or more, with both teams scoring four tries to earn an attacking bonus point.
Such a scenario would mean all three teams would finish pool play on 15 points. The Scots would then top the group on points difference, but Ireland would finish second ahead of South Africa because they won their pool game against the Boks.
Visit News24's Rugby World Cup 2023 zone for fixtures, pools, profiles, top stories
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber labelled the idea of Ireland and Scotland being in cahoots as "match-fixing" and Catt also laughed it off during a press conference.
"Yeah 100 percent, that stuff is just white noise in the background. No, we're not going to go in cahoots with Scotland," the Ireland attack guru said.
"Firstly I'd ask you, would we want Scotland to beat us by 21 points? If you asked any player in this room, any of us would they want Scotland to beat you by 21 points?" the former England centre added with a dismissive laugh.
"No, sorry."
ALSO READ | Rassie admits Boks face Pollard, Libbok selection poser: Will they pick both in match-day 23?
Catt said Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and his team of assistants are fully aware of the maths involved.
"I'm just focusing on our performance and the preparation of the players. But as a group of coaches, Andy is fully aware of what’s going and what needs to happen," he added.
"Ultimately, both teams need to win the game. If you do that then you put yourself in a good position. That s what we will try and achieve."
The Ireland-Scotland match will be played at the Stade de France on Saturday, 7 October (21:00).
