Everything is on the line in Paris, with Ireland – the world No.1 nation – needing to beat Scotland or risk a shock exit. Join The Roar for live coverage from 5.45am AEDT.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made two changes to his starting side, with Iain Henderson coming into the second row for James Ryan, and Dan Sheehan taking over at hooker from Ronan Kelleher. Flanker Peter O’Mahony will win his 100th Ireland cap.
Scotland have picked themselves up after their opening round defeat to South Africa to record two bonus point wins in a row and give themselves a shot at the last eight. To get there, they have to beat Ireland – something they haven’t managed since 2017.
Second-row Grant Gilchrist, scrum-half Ali Price and right-wing Darcy Graham retain their places in the starting XV after the 84-0 win over Romania, in Gregor Townsend squad, with captain Jamie Ritchie returning at blindside flanker.
Johnny Sexton of Ireland plays a pass ahead of Cristian Chirica and Iulian Hartig of Romania during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Ireland and Romania at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 09, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Johnny Sexton will be up against Finn Russell in the battle of the two playmakers in Paris. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The key match-up is between the two playmakers, with Johnny Sexton up against Finn Russell in one of the battles of the World Cup.
Venue: Stade de France, Paris.
Kickoff: 6am AEDT.
Streaming: Stan Sport
Teams
Ireland (1-15): Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Johnny Sexton (c), James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Stuart McCloskey
Scotland (1-15): Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson; Richie Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Jamie Ritchie (c), Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Ali Price, Finn Russell, Duhan van der Merwe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, WP Nel, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Luke Crosbie, George Horne, Ollie Smith.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Oh, you need the rest of it? Ok then: No-one would blame the All Blacks for losing at this quarter-final stage against the world #1 team. After all, this is a match which could easily be the Cup Final. Same as France and SA. Cup Final level, but arriving at the quarters. Peculiar arrangement but there we are.
Virgil
Roar Rookie
They needed to chip the ball over the line and turn the Irish forwards around. The Irish line was allowed to remain organised and intact. Barrett and Mo’unga will see the space behind the line.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
A recent survey showed 57 kiwis playing in other teams in this World Cup, next highest number was 18 South Africans playing for other teams.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
And it’s still undecided who of Australia and Fiji will go through.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Of course the ABs will be harder for the Irish. They will have invention in attack before the game is over, for one. Scotland didn’t get out of first gear till those two quick tries when the Irish cue was in the rack.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Thank the private schools
southcoastboy
Roar Rookie
This Irish team is impressive! In terms of how to play effective - and entertaining - rugby, they are where it’s at. Fast across the park and excellent defence, with very good tackle technique, and a cohesive and innovative backline. In short, everything the Wallabies are not… Australia has an incredible amount of work to do before, firstly, the Lions, and then the 27 WC. We’re gonna need every minute. Well done, Ireland. Next week versus ABs is going to be a cracker!
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I think Ireland would have to be the favourites against the ABs.
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
Yes. Lomax will be a huge loss if crocked. Oh well. Next cab off the rank will have to deliver. We will miss his athleticism though. Sounds like Joe Moody is on the plane. Our front row selections will be interesting!
Thing Me
Roar Rookie
Yes and no!
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
As Ireland will be a harder test for the Kiwis. Blow out wins arent exactly a test match.
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
Those Irish fans! Outstanding. Their team is so hard to break down and defend against. We will have to play our best for 80 minutes. Super discipline. Looks like there might be some room out wide and if our forwards have the physicality we can carry and clean through the middle. Wow what a game in store next week.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
Wow that's harsh. Why not back a team to win the RWC for a first time instead of the All Blacks? Something different for World Rugby
Thing Me
Roar Rookie
Which raises the issue as to when this RWC draw was organised? It seems this is askew is it not?
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
This strange World Cup where the draw has ensured the Final(s) will be played at quarter-final stage. In these circumstances no-one would blame Ireland for sticking to their record of not going beyond quarter final stage.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
You could blame the schedule as the draw is released 3yrs out, which we can all agree is pretty stupid! Well, it's a bit strange that the All Blacks are gifted a 12+ day break. Were any other teams? All I am saying is that the All Blacks were in an easier Pool, again, and had they're toughest match first up, again. And of course we should be worried about Fiji. It's called respecting the opponent. Obviously no respect shown by you to Namibia, Uruguay or Italy?
Virgil
Roar Rookie
I think the ABs will be a harder test for the Irish. Scotland were too one dimensional and got very little from their maul. Cannot see the ABs passing up easy points.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
Haha, Na, kiwis can't stand losing. They're not allowed to lose, and never to the better team!
Thing Me
Roar Rookie
I'll have to eat my cranberries without the ice cream. A great pity that Ireland's next game will be in actual fact "an unofficial final." The All Blacks will be their usual ruthless self.
cookie
Roar Guru
It’s not the losses that bother me it’s the way they lose.