David Humphreys: Ireland v Scotland Talking Points

Former Ulster and Ireland out-half David Humphreys looks ahead to Ireland's final Rugby World Cup Pool game against Scotland in Paris.

Has the Rugby World Cup ever had a better host?

Aside from a couple of early logistical issues, the weather, the crowds of travelling fans, the incredible atmosphere at every stadium and the quality of the rugby, has made this World Cup in France an unforgettable experience for everyone following the competition.

Too often, in the past, the pool stages have been completely one-sided, without any meaningful games until the knock-out stages, whereas the lopsided nature of the draw for this tournament has already entertained us with matches like France v New Zealand, Fiji v Australia, Ireland v South Africa and now Ireland v Scotland.

Ireland, unbeaten in 16 games and with eight consecutive wins against Scotland go into the game as very strong favourites, although an even more impressive stat, if social media is to be believed, is that Jonny Sexton hasn't lost to a Scottish team in the last 12 years!

There’s no question that Gregor Townsend’s side have the star quality to compete with any team, but Ireland have been building nicely over the last few weeks, have avoided injuries to any key players and if they impose their well-defined, high-intensity style of play from the start, they’ll win the game well.

Stephen Ferris and Jamie Heaslip expect Ireland's superior set-piece and bench to make the difference against Scotland tonight
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Different French experiences for today's 10s

Rugby has never been about individual head to heads, but this weekend throws together two world class 10s with very contrasting qualities and styles of play.

Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton are the heartbeat of their respective teams; they have had stellar careers, but their experiences with Racing 92 in France are an easy way to highlight their different mindsets and approaches to rugby.

Johnny didn’t enjoy his rugby in France where the lack of structure and more relaxed approach to training and playing the game never allowed him to control games in the same way that he did with Leinster and Ireland.

By contrast, Russell’s personality, on and off the pitch, adapted more easily to the French lifestyle and he became a key player in a star-studded Racing team that scored some magnificent tries. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the more structured approach in the Premiership with Bath.

It’s too simplistic to say that the result of this knock-out match depends on which of these two key players dominate.

Ireland will want to control the pace of the game whereas Scotland will want an open, fast flowing game to try and create space for Russell to work his magic.

Andy Farrell’s side will have watched the opening game when the South African defence shut down Russell’s time on the ball with their line-speed and we can expect more of the same from the Irish defence.

The head-to-head is a fascinating subplot to the match and I expect Sexton to continue his outstanding form at the World Cup and guide Ireland to the quarter-finals.

Foster comment not worth of classic clash

Talking of quarter-finals and potential opposition, it was very interesting to read Ian Foster’s comments about the quality of the Ireland v South Africa pool match.

International coaches often engage in mind games, but this felt a little bit different and almost disrespectful towards both teams. Anyone lucky enough to have been in the Stade de France watched an incredibly close, tense and physical contest between two very evenly matched teams.

The beauty of sport, not just rugby union, is the variety of coaching styles, philosophies and personalities involved in every moment of the game, ultimately trying to find a way to win.

This Ireland team has become very good at working out how to win any type of game and if we can overcome Scotland tonight, another huge challenge and an opportunity to create another piece of Irish rugby history against Foster’s All Blacks awaits.

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