Schoeman eager to extend World Cup 'miracle' beyond Ireland

Pierre Schoeman is hellbent on extending his "miracle" World Cup beyond this weekend as he gears up for Saturday's critical Paris showdown with Pool B rivals Ireland.

Just under two years after winning the first of his 25 caps, the South Africa-born prop is enjoying the time of his life in France as Gregor Townsend's first-choice loosehead.

But Schoeman knows he would likely have missed out on playing for Scotland at the tournament if not for the fact the Covid-19 pandemic led to a delay in World Rugby changing the three-year residency rule to five years.

That meant the 29-year-old - who left Bulls in his homeland to join Edinburgh in 2018 - was able to make his debut in October 2021 as opposed to having to wait until this summer to become eligible, by which time it would probably have been too late for him to force his way into the World Cup squad.

"I can only say with gratitude that it is a miracle, to be honest," he said. "It would have actually been five years but because of Covid, it was three years, so two years less.

"I would have only made my debut for Scotland now (this summer) if it wasn't for Covid so there is always a blessing in disguise somewhere."

Schoeman is savouring every moment of a tournament he described as the highlight of his career.

"It has been massive," he said. "Representing Scotland at the World Cup is the best thing I have experienced in my rugby journey.

"I have been honoured and privileged to do it. And with the team we have, the management and the players are a really good group.

"It has been amazing. I have to give credit to our partners and our families for the sacrifices they have made but in the south of France, the passion they have for their rugby and having all the Scottish fans here as