Springboks Faf de Klerk
Springbok scrumhalf, Faf de Klerk. Photo: SA Rugby website

Home » Dummy’s guide: All the qualification permutations for Springboks

Dummy’s guide: All the qualification permutations for Springboks

There has been a lot of confusion over the Springboks’ qualification for the World Cup quarter-finals. Here is the official breakdown.

By Craig Lewis
03-10-23 11:30
in Featured
Springboks Faf de Klerk
Springbok scrumhalf, Faf de Klerk. Photo: SA Rugby website

With the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final line-ups still uncertain, here are the full pool permutations with one round of matches left to play. As outlined below, the Springboks have effectively qualified for the quarter-finals already, with only a bizarre match result between Ireland and Scotland potentially still having the potential to knock them out.

Updated rankings: Where Springboks stand after Tonga win

THE SPRINGBOKS ARE WELL PLACED IN POOL B

Tonga and Romania cannot qualify for the quarter-finals as they are both on zero points with one game left to play against each other. They are also both incapable of finishing in the top three spots of their pool, automatic qualification for 2027 will go to Scotland, Ireland and South Africa regardless of any further results.

ALSO READ: How Springboks could still MISS out on World Cup quarter-finals

Both quarter-final places are still to be decided:

  • Scotland must beat Ireland and deny the Irish a bonus point to finish second on the head-to-head rule with South Africa topping the pool.
  • If Ireland get a bonus point and Scotland do not, Ireland will top the pool on the head-to-head rule from South Africa.
  • A Scotland bonus-point win without Ireland getting anything from the game will see them qualify in second place behind South Africa. The Springboks would finish top on the head-to-head rule.
  • If Scotland win and both teams get a bonus point, then they join South Africa on 15 points and points difference will determine top spot in Pool B.
  • Scotland must win by 21 points or more to claim top spot ahead of South Africa (South Africa +117, Ireland +122 and Scotland +97). Ireland would then qualify as runners-up on the head-to-head rule, having beaten South Africa. If Scotland do not win by such a margin, then South Africa will finish top on points difference and Scotland second on the head-to-head rule.
  • Ireland will guarantee top spot if they secure two points from their match against Scotland.

ALSO READ: Prayers, jersey swaps: Boks, Tonga display rugby brotherhood

RASSIE ERASMUS SHOWCASED AN INTERESTING BREAKDOWN BELOW:

What a tight end to this pool B,to think all 3 teams can still make it!! Credit to Kevin Millar for simplifying it with this 👇!! pic.twitter.com/9so0NHhDem— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) October 2, 2023

ALSO READ: Early exits: Prepare for a Rugby World Cup travesty!

Tags: 2023 Rugby World Cup featured Important MMifunsa Springboks