Ireland vs Scotland Prediction, Odds & Picks

Two weeks ago, Ireland took a big step in their journey to back up their number one ranking with a first-ever Rugby World Cup title by edging reigning champions South Africa in a #2 vs #1 matchup at the Stade de France.

There’s a real possibility that we could see a South Africa vs Ireland rematch at that same venue in the final on October 28. But there’s a lot of rugby to be played before then, and the Springboks’ place in the quarterfinals isn’t even secured yet.

However, it should be after tomorrow’s Ireland vs Scotland clash (3:00 pm ET, Peacock), which is also at the final venue.

2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B Standings

• 1. South Africa – 15 points (win vs Scotland, bonus-point win vs Romania, bonus-point loss vs Ireland, bonus-point win vs Tonga)
• 2. Ireland – 14 (bonus-point win vs Romania, bonus-point win vs Tonga, win vs South Africa)
• 3. Scotland – 10 (loss vs South Africa, bonus-point win vs Tonga, bonus-point win vs Romania)
• 4. Tonga – 0
• 5. Romania – 0

South Africa, with 15 points from their four matches, can only be eliminated from the tournament if Scotland win by 21 or more points, which is a very unlikely outcome.

If any outcome other than that occurs, the Boks will be in the last eight, along with either Ireland or Scotland.

Ireland vs Scotland Odds

Odds are via Bovada.

Spread

• Ireland -12 (-110)
• Scotland +12 (-110)

Moneyline

• Ireland -460
• Scotland +410
• Draw +3000

Over/Under

• Over 45.5 (-115)
• Under 45.5 (-105)

Can Scotland Squash Ireland’s Pursuit of History?

If Ireland are able to see off their Six Nations rivals, it will put them one step closer to history, in addition to ending Scotland’s dreams of reaching the Rugby World Cup quarters for the seventh time.

Ireland’s 13-8 win over South Africa was their 16th straight win, which leaves them two victories shy of the record currently held by England and New Zealand.

If they can make it 17 straight wins, they will be in position to tie the record in the quarters, most likely against New Zealand unless France fall to Italy today.

With Scotland in a win-or-go-home situation, they will no doubt put their best foot forward.

However, recent history is not at all in their favor.

The all-time record for the Ireland vs Scotland series, which began in 1877, stands at 69 wins for Ireland, 66 wins for Scotland, and five draws.

But Ireland have won 23 of their last 28 meetings, including eight in a row since a 27-22 Scotland win in the 2017 Six Nations.

Recent Ireland vs Scotland Rugby Head-to-Head Results

• 2023 Six Nations (March 12 – Edinburgh): 22-7 Ireland
• 2022 Six Nations (March 19 – Dublin): 26-5 Ireland
• 2021 Six Nations (March 14 – Edinburgh): 27-24 Ireland
• 2020 Autumn Nations Cup (December 5 – Dublin): 31-16 Ireland
• 2020 Six Nations (February 1 – Dublin): 19-12 Ireland
• 2019 Rugby World Cup (September 22 – Yokohama): 27-3 Ireland
• 2019 Six Nations (February 9 – Edinburgh): 22-13 Ireland
• 2018 Six Nations (March 10 – Dublin): 28-8 Ireland
• 2017 Six Nations (February 4 – Edinburgh): 27-22 Scotland
• Tx Nations (March 19 – Dublin): 35-25 Ireland

The setting also isn’t in Scotland’s favor. The last time they recorded a head-to-head win away from home soil was in 1998, a 17-16 win at Lansdowne Road in Dublin, near the end of a stretch (from 1989 to 1999) in which they won eleven times and drew once against Ireland.

Scotland may be ranked fifth in the world behind Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand, but no one would consider them to be on the same level of any of those sides. This match is an opportunity to showcase their quality, even if they fall short of reaching the quarters.

Ireland vs Scotland Prediction and Picks

Prediction: Ireland to win

Picks: Ireland/Scotland over 45.5 (-115 at Bovada) & second half to be the highest-scoring half (-121 at Bovada)

Ireland aren’t leaving anything to chance and will be trotting out a strong starting XV.

Anything can happen on the field, and Scotland’s chances to pull off a stunner can’t be discounted. But I don’t see Ireland dropping off or doing anything that could be seen as helping Scotland achieve the result that would see them both qualify and eliminate South Africa.

Given the potential need for a bonus-point win and how infrequently in recent history Scotland have held Ireland under 20 points, a higher-scoring game is a high possibility. Therefore, backing another second half scoring bet is a high value play here.

Where to Bet on the 2023 Rugby World Cup

While rugby may not be one of the most widely watched or bet on sports in the United States, the Rugby World Cup always draws a lot of attention.

In fact, you can find 2023 Rugby World Cup odds at many of the top sports betting sites available to bettors in the USA.

In addition to Bovada, where most of our Rugby World Cup game odds have come from, here are some of the online sportsbooks that we recommend which offer odds on each game in the tournament, as well as Rugby World Cup winner futures odds:

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our in-depth reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds. Happy betting, and please bet responsibly.