Rugby World Cup: Ireland Faces Scotland • Go-to-Ireland.com

The 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend in Japan. Tension is running high for Ireland, who are hopeful this year to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

Currently ranked number 1 in the World Rugby rankings, the Irish team faces a tough challenge. While all eyes are on them, history reminds us that Ireland has always struggled in the World Cup, never advancing beyond the quarter-finals.

On the bright side, the Irish squad plays in Pool A. A pool where Ireland already seems set to win comfortably and easily advance to the quarter-finals… The Irish team will face Scotland (a team they have consistently beaten since 2017), Japan, Russia, and Samoa. Ireland is therefore the favorite for these initial stages.

But the hardest part will come next: the Irish team will need to push themselves, consolidate their strengths, and keep stress at bay to get past the quarter-finals. If predictions hold, they are expected to face the formidable New Zealand or South Africa in the quarters—two rugby powerhouses equally determined to secure their spot in the semi-finals!

“They will give their all to try to get through these quarter-finals,” said Schmidt, the coach of the Irish squad.

The team, still led by the brilliant Jonathan Sexton, boasts world-class players (Rory Best, Jacob Stockdale, Conor Murray…). They have played together for years, and their deep understanding of each teammate is a major asset in the competition. The only downside: injuries. Some players are struggling (like Rob Kearney and Robbie Henshaw), which could potentially hold them back.

This weekend, Ireland will face Scotland. Tune in this Sunday, September 22 at 09:45 AM on TF1 to watch this first Pool A match. Although the outcome seems almost certain, it will be a chance to gauge how quickly the Greens can get into the heart of the competition.