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Scotland team announced for knockout clash with Ireland
By Grant Constable
Gregor Townsend has named the Scotland team to face Ireland in the crucial Pool B decider at Stade de France on Saturday, 7 October.
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, with captain Jamie Ritchie passed fit to return at blindside flanker after suffering a head knock in their previous match against Tonga.
Winger Graham scored a Scotland RWC record-equalling four tries and beat 14 opposition defenders against Romania, the joint-most defenders beaten of any player in a single match at this year’s Rugby World Cup, alongside teammate Duhan van der Merwe, who beat 14 against Tonga.
Graham matched Gavin Hastings’ record of four tries in a RWC match (v Ivory Coast in 1995) in the 84-0 win v Romania and now has five for the tournament, putting him joint top in the RWC 2023 try-scoring stakes with five.
PERMUTATIONS
Scotland need to beat Ireland and deny them a bonus point to finish second in the pool and therefore progress in second place to South Africa.
If Scotland beat Ireland with a bonus point and Ireland secure a point as well, then all three teams will be level on 15 points and Scotland's points difference in the win would need to be 21 points, then sending South Africa home.
SCOTLAND TEAM TO FACE IRELAND IN PARIS
1 Pierre Schoeman
2 George Turner
3 Zander Fagerson
4 Richie Gray
5 Grant Gilchrist
6 Jamie Ritchie (c)
7 Rory Darge
8 Jack Dempsey
9 Ali Price
10 Finn Russell
11 Duhan van der Merwe
12 Sione Tuipulotu
13 Huw Jones
14 Darcy Graham
15 Blair Kinghorn
Replacements:
16 Ewan Ashman
17 Rory Sutherland
18 WP Nel
19 Scott Cummings
20 Matt Fagerson
21 Luke Crosbie
22 George Horne
23 Ollie Smith
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Latest Comments
Let's be clear: Foster did not back unaquivocally players such as Vaa'i, Tamaiti and Roigard. Yes, he selected them in the squad, but it's a stretch to say he backed them. Those three players have only been backed fully this year (and thrived) under the new regime. There was massive hesitation to give those three guys serious game time in games of consequence.
It's another not-so-subtle dig from the old dynasty at any achievements Razor may be credited for.
Roigard in particular was a mind-baffling omission from the finals of the WC. After being the AB's best player against SA in the pre-WC match, he was not sighted in the big games that followed. Roigard is the type of guy who can win a game with a moment of brilliance, yet the established but uninspiring Christie was preferred to close out a close WC final.
So please, Fozzie, spare us the barely veiled laments about your unfair treatment and unseen achievements. The fact you feel you have to point them out is telling in itself. And it shows that despite saying you've moved on, you and your mate Hansen most definitely haven't.
Go to commentsHe's just a wannabe troll, mate.
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