Scotland dealt Rugby World Cup blow as Ireland shock South Africa in Pool B epic

Ireland dealt Scotland's hopes of qualifying from their Rugby World Cup group a huge blow by scoring a mammoth win over world champions South Africa.

Gregor Townsend's team kicked off their campaign in France with an 18-3 defeat against the Springboks in Marseille. With the Irish also in a strong Pool B, the Scots were up against it and their best chance of progression looked to be a battle with the Irish for second spot. But Andy Farrell's side have catapulted themselves to the top of the table with a titanic 13-8 triumph over the holders.

That makes Scotland's task almost impossible. They finally take to the field for their second fixture against Tonga in Nice. To keep their hopes alive, they'll need a bonus points victory against the Pacific islanders, as well as Romania and even more dauntingly, against Ireland in their final group game at the end of next month. And even that may not be enough to see them through.

The win over the Boks was Ireland's 16th straight test win. Their victory was the first World Cup inflicted on South Africa in nine tournament matches, who pushed for a winning try late on but were held at bay by a heroic defensive effort.

And it;s a result that looks to have closed off Scotland's route out of Pool B. They now not only have to win, but win in style, which isn't beyond them, although any sort of result against a hugely impressive Ireland team would be some ask, never mind bonus points.