The Battle of the Celts: Broadcasting Ireland vs Scotland, Start Time, and Viewing Options

Sport Rugby Rugby Union Is Ireland vs Scotland on TV?

Channel, start time, and how to watch Rugby World Cup

Ireland and Scotland will face off in their final Rugby World Cup pool match on Saturday evening. This match will determine whether Scotland can progress to the quarter-finals or if Ireland will secure a place in the knockout stages.

Pool B Standings

Currently, South Africa sits at the top of Pool B with 15 points, having played all four of their games. Ireland is in second place with 14 points after three matches, while Scotland is in third place with 10 points after three matches. If Scotland wants to advance to the quarter-finals, they must win the match against Ireland and deny them any bonus points.

Qualification Scenarios

The only way for South Africa to be eliminated from the tournament is if Scotland beats Ireland with a bonus point and by a margin of 21 points or more, while Ireland also secures a try bonus point. In this scenario, Scotland would top the pool on points difference, with Ireland joining them in the last eight due to their win over South Africa. It is even conceivable that Ireland may actively need Scotland to score a late try to secure their own progression.

Ireland will top Pool B if they win their final fixture. The most straightforward route to qualification for Scotland is to win with a bonus point while denying Ireland any points. Even a non-bonus point win for Scotland would suffice if the Irish do not finish within seven points.

Editorial and Analysis

This Pool B decider is crucial for both Ireland and Scotland. Ireland, the reigning Six Nations grand slam winners, aim to secure their place in the quarter-finals and potentially challenge for the World Cup title. Scotland, on the other hand, must rely on a strong performance and an unlikely set of results to continue their World Cup journey.

The battle between Ireland and Scotland symbolizes a historic and fierce rivalry between the two nations. This match will showcase the intensity and passion that rugby fans have come to expect from encounters between these Celtic nations.

Team News

For Ireland, flanker Peter O’Mahony will earn his 100th cap in this match. Coach Andy Farrell has made two changes to the side that defeated South Africa, with Dan Sheehan replacing Ronan Kelleher at hooker and Iain Henderson coming in for James Ryan in the second row. Fly half Johnny Sexton, the Irish record points-scorer, will once again start, and Jack Conan has a chance to make his first World Cup appearance from the bench. However, there are concerns about Robbie Henshaw’s availability due to a hamstring injury.

For Scotland, Ali Price will start at scrum half, with regular first-choice Ben White dropping out of the squad entirely. The rest of the lineup remains mostly unchanged, with the back row trio of Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge, and Jack Dempsey starting again. Blair Kinghorn will earn his 50th cap in this match.

Television Coverage

In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7.15pm BST. Registered users can also watch the match online on ITVX. Viewers traveling abroad may need a VPN to unblock their streaming app, but they must ensure compliance with local regulations and their service provider’s terms.

Conclusion

The Ireland vs Scotland match promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant stakes. Both teams will be fighting for their World Cup dreams, making it a must-watch fixture for rugby fans. Ireland is the favorite to win, but Scotland has the ability to cause an upset. Rugby enthusiasts across the globe will be tuning in to witness this battle between two Celtic nations on the rugby field.