Rugby World Cup 2019 – Ireland vs Scotland: Where to watch and live stream, kick-off time, squads and prediction

Ireland vs Scotland kicks off at 8.45am (BST) on Sunday 22 September

Ireland and Scotland will be keeping to familiar territory when they open their respective World Cup campaigns against one another this weekend.

It’s safe to say the two nations head into this clash on the back of a mixed 12 months.

Although Ireland currently top the world rankings, there’s no doubt the side has blown hot and cold this year. A record defeat by England this summer set alarm bells ringing before a sense of normality was restored with back-to-back wins over Wales.

As for Scotland, the disappointment of their 2019 Six Nations was offset by that thrilling 38-38 draw against England in which Gregor Townsend’s men showed that they possess the means to challenge the game’s biggest and best sides.

Either way, Sunday’s encounter will be a fascinating encounter and one which could determine the winners of Pool A.

When is it?

Ireland vs Scotland kicks off at 8.45am (BST) on Sunday 22 September. The match is being played at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium.

Where can I watch it?

ITV1 will be broadcasting the clash.

You can also live stream the match via ITV Hub on a range of devices, including laptops, smartphones and tablets.

Squads

Ireland

Forwards: CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, Rhys Ruddock, Jack Conan, Tadhg Beirne, Jean Kleyn, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Rory Best (captain), Niall Scannell, Sean Cronin, Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, Cian Healy, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan

Backs: Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Andrew Conway, Jordan Larmour, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Johnny Sexton, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Conor Murray, Luke McGrath

Joe Schmidt will be eager to see his men hit the ground running in Japan (Getty)

Scotland

Forwards: John Barclay, Simon Berghan, Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings, Allan Dell, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Stuart McInally, Willem Nel, Gordon Reid, Jamie Ritchie, Blade Thomson, Ben Toolis, George Turner, Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson

Backs: Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Adam Hastings, Stuart Hogg, George Horne, Pete Horne, Sam Johnson, Blair Kinghorn, Greig Laidlaw, Sean Maitland, Ali Price, Finn Russell, Tommy Seymour, Duncan Taylor

Prediction

Both teams were subject to disappointing defeats over the summer – Scotland against France, Ireland against England – before enjoying a series of encouraging wins that once again raised hopes heading to Japan.

Although the head-to-head between these sides is remarkably close (Scotland – 66, Ireland – 62), the Irish have looked the superior the team in recent years. Whereas Scotland can be somewhat dependent on the brilliance of a handful of key individuals, you feel Ireland are more polished as a collective unit when they get it right. I’m expecting a narrow win for Joe Schmidt and his men.