Ex-Ireland and Munster lock Jean Kleyn stressed the "animosity" between his former national team and Scotland ahead of their encounter in the Stade de France on Saturday.
Kleyn, who was cleared by World Rugby to play for his native South Africa this summer having represented Ireland at the 2019 World Cup, said at this week's press conference that he expected Ireland to win the match, even though the opposite result might suit the Springboks.
South Africa's pool programme concluded against Tonga last Sunday, with three wins from four leaving them currently top of the standings, albeit with Ireland having a chance to overhaul them at the weekend.
Amid all the permutations, there is a highly improbable outcome which could see South Africa going home before the knockouts, should Scotland break their losing streak against Ireland by a margin of 21 points, while crucially also conceding four tries in the process.
While a Scotland bonus point win could see South Africa progess as pool toppers, Kleyn expects Ireland to finish the group stage with a 100% record.
"We're probably going to see Ireland win, but just because the Irish beat us last week I'd say I’d like to see Scotland win over them," joked Kleyn.
"No, realistically speaking, we’ll probably see Ireland come out victorious there. They’re a very good team at the moment."
Kleyn was controversially included in Ireland's 2019 World Cup squad instead of longstanding servant Devin Toner. He did not feature in the tournament opener against Scotland, where Joe Schmidt's side utterdly demolished the Scots 27-3, before the competition was derailed from an Irish perspective.
However, the second row extensive experience with Munster gave him a taste of the fiesty rivalry with the Scots.
"There's a high level of attrition. There’s a little bit of animosity between the Irish and the Scots and there always has been, especially from a rugby perspective.
"At club level, you look at teams like Munster and Glasgow there’s always been this underlying – I wouldn’t call it hatred – but there’s a little bit of knife in the back.
"There’s a real combative thing about it. For Ireland and Scotland [Tests], it’s even more so. It’s very much magnified at international level. Everything’s a little bit closer to the bone and everything’s a little bit more real. I think it’s going to be a serious match."
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