The prospect of the Springboks facing elimination from the Rugby World Cup during the group stages has raised eyebrows, albeit in a very unlikely scenario.
The Permutation No Springbok Fan Wants In this improbable situation, the Springboks could find themselves out of contention if Scotland manages to defeat Ireland by more than 20 points while securing a bonus point and if Ireland scores four tries. Under these conditions, all four teams would finish with 15 points, and the Springboks would be left on the outside looking in. Scotland would top the group based on points difference, and Ireland, having defeated the Springboks in their head-to-head encounter, would advance.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that this scenario is highly improbable. Firstly, Ireland’s recent track record against Scotland suggests that a loss is unlikely. Secondly, even in the event of an Irish loss, the likelihood of them losing by more than 20 points and also scoring four tries is slim.
Realistically, Ireland should emerge victorious.
A Glimpse into the Possibilities Should Scotland manage to defeat Ireland by a margin of more than eight points without Ireland securing a bonus point, then Ireland would be on the way out.
In a situation where all three teams finish with 15 points, the team with the superior points difference would advance, as clarified by Rassie Erasmus.
“If Scotland has the best points difference, then we’ll fall out because Ireland defeated us,” Erasmus explained. “But for that to happen, Scotland must score four tries and beat Ireland by more than 20 points, and Ireland must also get a bonus point.”
On the flip side, if Ireland boasts the best points difference, the Springboks would advance due to their victory over Scotland.
In essence, while these scenarios are interesting to contemplate, the Springboks’ progression to the quarter-finals remains highly likely, given the improbability of the circumstances required for their elimination.
