PERMUTATIONS: The group of death reaches a dramatic end with either SA, Ireland and Scotland to make it to the last eight

By Sports Reporter

Ireland and Scotland will go head-to-head in a monumental clash in Paris this weekend at the Rugby World Cup. Heading into the tournament, Pool B was described as the group of death by many rugby fans. It is no surprise that we are in for a dramatic finish – with South Africa currently topping the table with 15 points.

Ireland come into this weekend’s clash off the back of a huge win against holders South Africa. The victory over the Springboks extended Andy Farrell’s side’s winning run to 16 games.

As for the Braveheart’s, Gregor Townsend’s men thrashed Romania 84-0 in their last match. Darcy Graham was the stand-out performer that night – scoring four tries in a crucial win.

Scotland come into this weekend’s clash with Ireland after thrashing Romania in their last game Their could be a scenario where both Ireland and Scotland qualify ahead of the Springboks

As mentioned, South Africa currently sit top of Pool B on 15 points and have played all of their four group stage matches. Ireland are second in the Pool on 14 points, while Scotland sit third on 10 points. Only two of the teams can progress to the knockout phase of the competition.

What Scotland need to do to qualify –

Scotland must beat Ireland to stand a chance of qualifying for the knockout phase. While it sounds fairly straightforward, Townsend’s side have not beaten Saturday’s opponents since 2017.

In the World Cup, four points are awarded for a win. Teams are also given a bonus point if they score four or more tries. A team is also given a losing bonus point should they lose the match by seven or fewer points.  If Scotland win and deny Ireland a losing bonus point, they will progress in second place – with South Africa finishing top of the pile.

If Scotland win, but Ireland get a bonus point, then Townsend’s side will be eliminated. Should Ireland lose but get two bonus points, they would then go through as Pool B winners – with the Springboks finishing second.

If Scotland win and deny Ireland a losing bonus point, they will progress in second place If Scotland win and deny Ireland a losing bonus point, they will progress in second place

If Ireland lose to Scotland but pick up two bonus points, they will qualify to the knockout phase along with South Africa

What are the other scenarios?

There is a slight chance where all three sides could finish on the same points. Therefore, the winner of the Pool would be decided on points difference – with second place going to whichever team won the head-to-head between the two remaining sides.

To put it simply, should Ireland finish top, South Africa will also go through as they beat Scotland. If South Africa top the group, Scotland would also go through as they would have beaten Ireland.

Finally, should Scotland top the group based on points difference, Ireland would finish second as they beat South Africa.

The showdown between Ireland and Scotland will take place at the Stade de France in Paris

REMAINING POOL MATCHES

Saturday, Oct 7 – Ireland v Scotland, Stade de France

Sunday, Oct 8 – Japan v Argentina, Stade de la Beaujoire

Sunday, Oct 8 – Tonga v Romania, Stade Pierre-Mauroy

Sunday, Oct 8 – Fiji v Portugal, Stade de Toulouse

Quarter-finals

Saturday, Oct 14 (QF1) – Wales (almost certainly) v Runner-up Pool D, Stade de Marseille, 4pm

Saturday, Oct 14 (QF2) – Winner Pool B v New Zealand (almost certainly), Stade de France, 8pm

Sunday, Oct 15 (QF3) – England v Runner-up Pool C, Stade de Marseille, 4pm

Sunday, Oct 15 (QF4) – Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B, Stade de France, 8pm

MAX HONING HIS SKILLS FOR AFRICA’S MAJOR

STRONG FIELD: American excited to tee it up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge next month

By Sports Reporter

World Number Seven Max Homa will bring further Ryder Cup quality to the Nedbank Golf Challenge when he makes his debut in ‘Africa’s Major’ from November 9-12.

The American, who made his first appearance in golf’s greatest team contest at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club last week as he top-scored for the US Team with 3 ½ points, will join teammate Justin Thomas and English Ryder Cup duo Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose in what is already a strong field at Gary Player Country Club.

The US$6,000,000 event is the penultimate tournament on the 2023 DP World Tour schedule, carrying an increased number of Race to Dubai Ranking Points as the 66-man field vies for a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. There has been no American winner of the Nedbank Golf Challenge since Jim Furyk lifted the iconic trophy in Sun City, and the six-time PGA TOUR winner is excited to make his maiden appearance in South Africa.

“I really enjoy playing golf in new places and experiencing countries I’ve never visited before, so I’m really excited to tee it up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge later this year,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting a taste of South Africa and it’s really cool that my good friend JT is going to be playing as well. I’m sure we’ll have an awesome time and I can’t wait to get over there.

“Gary Player is a legend of our game so to be able to play in a tournament with his name associated is an honour.  He has done so much for golf worldwide, but particularly in South Africa, so it’s nice to be able to go over there and give a little something back.”

The Nedbank Golf Challenge has been a highlight of the South African sporting calendar since its first edition in 1981, with defending champion Tommy Fleetwood among a glittering list of winners including South African golfing icon Ernie Els – a three-time winner of the event – the legendary Seve Ballesteros, and Major Champions Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Danny Willett.

The 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again be included on the DP World Tour schedule in partnership with Nedbank and Sun International and will be the penultimate event before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. The winner of the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit will receive a place in the 66-player field at Gary Player Country Club.