South Africa vs Scotland Prediction & Betting Tips - Rugby World Cup

Prediction published on 08/09/2023, 12:52  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 10/09/2023 at 03:45 in Rugby World Cup Prediction

South Africa begin the defence of the Rugby World Cup with a Pool B match against Scotland. Also in this pool are Ireland (currently ranked the top side in the world), Tonga and Romania. Only the top two go through to the quarter finals where likely opponents are New Zealand or hosts France. Not an easy route therefore for the Springboks as they chase a record breaking fourth Rugby World Cup. They have never a game against Scotland when not having to play the game in the UK. They last lost to Scotland 13 years ago and since then haven't played them at Murrayfield and have racked up seven consecutive wins. Of those victories, all but one have been by at least 15 points. The most recent meeting was in November 2021 when the South Africans won 30-15. They head to France in top form with only one loss (to New Zealand) in their last eight matches. It didn't take them long to get revenge for that defeat and beat the All-Blacks 35-7 in their final warm-up friendly.

Scotland have it all to do in this pool if they want to reach the last eight. A nightmare draw has seen them in with the world champions and the number one ranked team in the world. They should be able to beat Tonga and Romania but they need to win at least one of the games against the sides ranked higher than them. Scotland are ranked fifth in the world and have only lost one of their last five matches. Twice this year they have been beaten by France and also once by Ireland in the Six Nations. They are the outsiders to qualify and it could all come down to their final game against Ireland on October 8. We expect South Africa to win this match and be ahead at both half and full time.