RWC 2023: How South Africa’s Win Affects Ireland and Scotland and Who the Springboks Could Face Next

• South Africa beat Tonga by and earned a bonus point to jump to the top of Group B
• Ireland and Scotland will face each other to decide the final standings in the group
• France, New Zealand, and Italy are all in with a chance of qualifying from Group A

South Africa are all but assured of a place in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, but the Boks can’t celebrate just yet.

The defending champions currently top Group B but will have to wait for the final games to be played to learn their final placing.

World number one-ranked side, Ireland will take on Scotland on October 8 in a match that will have huge implications for the group.

How teams on level points are separated

As noted by The Independent, if two teams are level on points in the group, the team that won the game between the two sides progress.

Which is the most hated football team in the world? Top 10

Football

If there is a three-way tie, the team with the best points difference takes the top spot, while second place is decided by whoever won the game between the two other teams.

As it stands, there is a possibility that SA, Ireland, and Scotland could all be tied on 15 points at the end of the group stage.

How South Africa could be knocked out

Despite topping Group B with 15 points, there is a chance the Springboks can be dumped out of the tournament in the group stages.

Ireland have 14 points, while Scotland have 10 with their game to go. Rugby 365 noted there is only one way the Boks can fail to qualify for the knockouts.

Scotland would need to beat Ireland by more than 20 points while securing a bonus point (scoring four or more tries), while the Irish will also need to get a bonus point in that game.

Best European Football team: Which is the best European Squad for the upcoming World Cup and why?

Football

Such a result would mean that Scotland, Ireland, and South Africa would all be tied on 15 points, with Scotland topping the group thanks to goal difference and Ireland finishing second thanks to their victory over the defending champions.

Any other result would see South Africa progress as either the winner or runner-up in the group.

Who the Boks could face

Much like South Africa’s place in the last eight isn’t confirmed, neither are France, Italy’s and New Zealand's. The three sides compete in Group A, but none of the qualification spots have been guaranteed.

BBC reported that host nation, France will top the group if they beat or draw with the Italians.

Italy need to beat the French if they want to book their spot in the next stage, while three-time winners, New Zealand will also need to win their game against Uruguay to stand a chance of earning their place in the next round.

Which is the best team in FIFA World Cup 2022? Who are the favourites to win it all?

Football

The winner of Group A will face the runner-up in Group B, while the second-placed team in Group A will face the winner of Group B.

Official rankings ahead of Rugby World Cup

The Springboks look to defend their Rugby World Cup title in France but will face stiff competition. South Africa are among the favourites going into the tournament but aren't the number-one ranked side.

With the World Cup tournament having started on September 8 with Les Bleus taking on the All Blacks, Sports Brief looked at the top five ranked teams before France 2023 and their ranking back in 2019.