Bok lock Kleyn backs former team in crunch Pool B clash: 'We're probably going to see Ireland win'

A lot is at stake in Ireland's Rugby World Cup pool match with Scotland and the atmosphere is set to be even more febrile as there is a "little bit of animosity" between them, former Irish lock Jean Kleyn has claimed.

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The Irish will be favourites due to a 16 Test match-winning run, including an impressive 13-8 victory over defending champions South Africa a fortnight ago, and they beat the Scots in their last eight Tests.

Scotland, though, have bounced back from a disappointing opening 18-3 defeat by the Springboks to post convincing wins over Tonga and Romania.

South Africa sit atop Pool B on 15 points having played all their matches while the Irish are a point adrift with the Scots another four points back.

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South Africa-born Kleyn is in the strange position of having played for Ireland at the last World Cup -- though he played no role in their opening pool win over Scotland - but a fortnight ago came on as a replacement for the Springboks in their match.

"There's a high level of attrition," said Kleyn at a press conference.

"There's a little bit of animosity between the Irish and the Scots and there always has been, especially from a rugby perspective.

"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.

"There's a real combative thing about it.

"For Ireland and Scotland (Tests), 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