03 October 2023 , 15:29
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South Africa boss Jacques Nienaber has warned of potential match-fixing ahead of Ireland’s decisive Rugby World Cup clash with Scotland.
The two sides come together at the Stade de France on Saturday in their final Pool B fixture. There is still all to play for with both sides still capable of reaching the quarter-finals.
South Africa are currently in pole position as they sit top of the table with three wins from their four matches. The Springboks could still be overtaken by both Ireland and Scotland following their final showdown - but the situation is complicated.
Scotland would need to win by 21 points and secure a try bonus point, whilst Ireland would also have to secure a bonus to ensure their progression. That would leave all of the sides tied on 15 points, with Scotland topping the group on points difference. Ireland would progress as runners-up due to beating South Africa earlier in the competition.
Nienaber, South Africa head coach, has claimed that any agreement between the two sides to knock his side out would constitute cheating. Speaking in a press conference after his side’s win over Tonga, he said: “That would be match-fixing.
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“It would be extremely disappointing. Could I believe in a scenario that they would decide on a scenario that they would decide, ‘OK, they would get that amount of points and therefore get South Africa out of the World Cup?’
“That would probably be match-fixing, I would say, I hope not. Rugby’s clean, we wear those t-shirts, so I hope not. That would be extremely disappointing, don’t you think?”
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Whilst there are concerns in the South Africa camp, Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy insists that his side are solely focused on their task in hand of securing an historic success. Scotland have not defeated Ireland since 2017.
Speaking after the 84-0 win against Romania, he said: “Over the last few years, I know we haven’t knocked over Ireland [Scotland last defeated Ireland in 2017], but there is always that first time, and it would be special to do it on the weekend.
“We focus on ourselves; we have an unbelievable opportunity in the World Cup to play Ireland. It will be an amazing atmosphere, and the boys have put in some good performances in France. So we are super excited about the opportunity and getting out there on Saturday night.”
The circumstances that would see the pair eliminate South Africa are even more unlikely given Scotland’s record against Ireland. They have not racked up a double digits victory against this weekend’s opponents since 2007, with their wait for a victory by more than 20 points extending back to 2001.