It’s crunch time in Paris with Ireland and Scotland battling it out in a winner takes all contest to depart Group B. Ireland have won all 3 group games and are on a 16-game unbeaten run, whereas their opponents have won 2 from their 3, losing to the Springboks in the opening week. Both nations’ 23-man squads are looking dangerous, with Iain Henderson returning for Ireland and Jamie Ritchie returning after a concussion for the Scots.
Embed from Getty ImagesAhead of winning his 100th cap, Peter o’Mahony said, “people talking about us not being able to get past certain hurdles, this is the biggest hurdle at our tournament so far and that’s the way we’re considering (it)”. Conversely Scottish lock Grant Gilchrist is relishing the challenge, saying, “it’s all or nothing for us… stuff of dreams, for players to go out in an arena like this with everything on the line.” Both can still qualify, only as long as Scotland win by 21 points or more and Ireland secure a bonus point. Scotland will be counting on winger Darcy Graham to see them over the line whereby the Irish will turn to skipper Johnny Sexton to light the spark for a crucial victory.
