"To paraphrase Mick McCarthy, Andy Farrell would have bitten your hand off for a scenario where his Ireland team had to beat Scotland and Argentina to reach a first World Cup semi-final, most likely against England."
"That is what is on offer to Ireland at the 2027 World Cup if they get their business done in an eminently winnable pool by beating Scotland, a path to the final that doesn't involve New Zealand, France or South Africa."
Andy Farrell's Ireland would welcome a scenario that requires victories over Scotland and Argentina to reach a first World Cup semi-final, with a probable opponent being England. Ireland can create that opportunity by winning a winnable 2027 World Cup pool, where Scotland is the primary obstacle. Securing the pool would produce a knockout path that avoids traditional heavyweights New Zealand, France and South Africa. Beating Scotland and Argentina would place Ireland into genuine title contention and set up a favorable route through the knockout stages toward the final.
Read at Independent
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