Ireland v Scotland: Latest Odds & Analysis On Scotland Test

When: Saturday, October 7, 8pm (Irish time)

Where: Stade de France, Saint-Denis (capacity: 81,338)

Watch: Virgin Media One

Best Odds: Ireland 1/5, Scotland 9/2

Following a week off over in France, Ireland will return to World Cup action against Scotland at Stade de France in Saint-Denis this Saturday (8pm Irish time/9pm local time).

It was always expected that plenty would be at stake for this game and with so many different permutations possibly coming into play, rugby betting sites are intrigued about the latest battle between these Celtic cousins in Pool B of the tournament.

Ireland And Scotland Had Contrasting Fortunes Against South Africa

Having recorded comfortable bonus point triumphs over Romania and Tonga on consecutive weekends, Andy Farrell’s side were put to the pin of their collars by defending champions South Africa in Saint-Denis on September 23. 

In the end, Ireland came away with the spoils on a final score of 13-8 with the wayward place-kicking of half-back partners Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk ultimately proving to be the downfall of the Springboks.

Libbok was also inaccurate during the southern hemisphere nation’s clash with Scotland on the opening weekend of the pool, but converted tries from Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kurt-Lee Arendse ensured Jacques Nienaber’s side prevailed with 15 points to spare (18-3) over the Scots.

This was certainly a set-back for Scotland, but bonus point victories of their own over Tonga and Romania has kept them in the reckoning for a knockout spot.

Scotland Still Have Realistic Shot At Making Knockout Rounds

While going through all the permutations for the weekend’s fare would be exhausting, it is worth stating that Scotland will advance to the last-eight at Ireland’s expense if they win by at least eight points in Stade de France and also deny Ireland a try bonus. 

This shows that – even though they have accumulated 14 points from a maximum tally of 15 thus far in the tournament – this is a game where Ireland can’t afford to rest on their laurels.

Scotland’s confidence will also have been boosted over the past fortnight with an 84-0 win against Romania showing that even their second string players are more than capable of turning on the style. 

Interestingly, former Ireland U20s star Ben Healy scored 27 points in that game on his Rugby World Cup debut and is better placed than anyone within the Scottish camp to identify the strengths and weaknesses of this Irish team.

Ireland Still The Clear Favourites To Win This Saturday

That said, in addition to being the number one ranked team in world rugby, Ireland are on a winning streak of 16 games and are once again firm favourites to come out on top in this game. 

At the moment, the lowest odds that can be found on the Irish making it four pool wins from four on Saturday are 1/5.

By contrast, the shortest odds on a Scotland triumph this weekend is 7/2.

Alternatively, there are some betting apps that are offering 4/1 on a Scottish win and there are a select few that have gone even further out than that at 9/2.

Scotland Will Probably Need To Score First

If the Scots are to stand any chance of achieving the result they desire (and Gregor Townsend’s side will need to emerge as convincing and deserved winners), then a quick start will be a necessity. 

The odds on Scotland to be the first team to score in the game – either through a try or a place-kick – is currently 6/4 with bet365.

The general consensus about this match is that, although Ireland are expected to win, the margin of victory isn’t expected to be massive.

Low Winning Margin Anticipated

Ahead of the game, betting sites are offering the same odds (5/1) on the Irish winning by either 6-10 points or 16-20 points. 

Whereas they have enjoyed 15 and 21 point successes over the Scots in the past two Six Nations Championships, just three points separated the sides (27-24) when Ireland triumphed at an empty Murrayfield Stadium in March 2021.

It is always difficult to predict the flow of an international rugby encounter, but Hills have odds of 13/2 on this tantalising showdown ending in a win of between 1 and 5 points for the in-form Ireland.

Best Bet: Ireland To Win By 1-5 Points – 13/2 @ William Hill

Player Prop: Scotland To Score First – 6/4 @ Bet365