South Africa boss addresses Rugby World Cup ‘match-fixing’ theory as Scotland face Ireland
As Scotland plays Ireland in the Rugby World Cup, the South Africa head coach responds to the “match-fixing” theory.
On Saturday at the Stade de France, Ireland and Scotland play in the final match of Pool B.
In a difficult scenario, the Springboks might actually be eliminated from the competition.
Prior to Ireland’s pivotal Rugby World Cup match against Scotland, South Africa manager Jacques Nienaber issued a warning about possible match-fixing.
This weekend’s final Pool B match between the two teams will take place at the Stade de France.
Both teams still have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals, so there is everything to play for.
With three victories from their first four games, South Africa currently holds the lead and sits atop the table.
Following their final match, the Springboks may still be passed by both Scotland and Ireland, but the situation is complicated.
In order for Scotland and Ireland to advance, they would need to win by a margin of 21 points and earn a try bonus point each.
This would leave all of the teams tied on 15 points, with Scotland leading the group in terms of points differential.
Because Ireland defeated South Africa earlier in the competition, they would advance as runners-up.
According to Nienaber, the head coach of South Africa, any arrangement between the two teams to eliminate his team would be considered cheating.
“That would be match-fixing,” he said in a press conference following his team’s victory over Tonga.
“It would be incredibly discouraging.
Would it be possible for me to believe that they would decide that South Africa would be eliminated from the World Cup if they received that many points?
“I would say that would likely be match-fixing, though I hope not.
We wear those t-shirts, rugby is clean, so I sincerely hope not.
Don’t you think that would be really disappointing?”.
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Although there are worries in the South Africa camp, Scotland defense coach Steve Tandy insists that his team is only concerned with achieving an historic victory.
Since 2017, Scotland hasn’t triumphed over Ireland.
After the 84-0 victory over Romania, he said: “Over the last few years, I know we haven’t knocked over Ireland [Scotland last defeated Ireland in 2017], but there is always that first time, and it would be special to do it on the weekend.
“We concentrate on ourselves; the chance to play Ireland in the World Cup is incredible.
The boys have given some strong performances in France, and the atmosphere will be fantastic.
We are therefore extremely excited about the chance and going out on Saturday night.
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Given Scotland’s record against Ireland, it is even less likely that the pair could defeat South Africa. They have not defeated this weekend’s opponents by more than ten points since 2007, and their streak of victories by more than 20 points dates back to 2001.
