VIDEO: Jean Kleyn's insightful prediction for Pool B decider
It is one of the most anticipated games at World Cup 2023 – right up there with the opening match between hosts France and New Zealand and Ireland versus South Africa.
The reason for the heightened interest in Ireland versus Scotland at Stade de France, Saint-Denis in Paris, is that it will decide the fate of not just the two teams in action, but also defending champions South Africa.
The No.1 ranked team, Ireland, will qualify for the knock-out stages with a win, draw or a bonus point of any description.
Defeat by eight points or more, without getting a bonus point would see Ireland crash out.
Scotland’s passage to the play-offs is a little more complicated, adding to the intrigue of the occasion.
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Dual international Jean Kleyn is perfectly positioned to pass ‘judgement’ on the two teams in the Paris decider.
Not only did he make five appearances for the Men from the Emerald Isle at the 2019 World Cup, but 130-odd games for Irish province Munster in various competitions gives him great insight into the two European countries and their players.
Asked by @rugby365com how he sees the game between Ireland and Scotland playing out, he grinned and said: “Always starting with the easy questions.
“Realistically speaking, we’re probably going to see Ireland win,” the 30-year-old Springbok lock said.
Then his mirthful nature kicked in again.
“Just because the Irish beat us last week, I’d say I’d like to see Scotland win over them,” he chuckled.
On a more serious note he said: “No, realistically speaking, we’ll probably see Ireland come out victorious there.
“They’re a very good team at the moment.”
The six-times capped Bok second row forward said there will be a ‘high level of attrition’ at Stade de France on Saturday.
“There’s a little bit of animosity between the Irish and the Scots and there always has been, especially from a rugby perspective.
(WATCH dual international Jean Kleyn gives his insightful view on the World Cup Pool B decider between Ireland and Scotland on Saturday…)
“At club level, you look at teams like Munster and Glasgow there’s always been this underlying – I wouldn’t call it hatred – but there’s a little bit of knife in the back [approach].
“There’s a real combative thing about it.
“For Ireland and Scotland [at Test level] it’s even more so.
“It’s very much magnified at international level.
“Everything’s a little bit closer to the bone and everything’s a little bit more real.
“I think it’s going to be a serious match.”
While Kleyn was calm throughout the interview, he said it won’t be the same when the game kicks off in Paris.
“Oh hell no. No,” he said about being able to stay calm.
“It’s all a facade. It’s my media face,” he quipped, adding that the team will have a ‘couple of beers’ and watch the game together.
@king365ed
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