Stephen Ferris makes prediction for Ireland’s 2023 Rugby World Cup clash against Scotland

• Brought to you by Ladbrokes 

IN what promises to be a high stakes showdown, Ireland clash with Scotland in the final match of Pool B at 8pm tonight.

Ireland, the world’s top-ranked team, enter their contest with Scotland as the resounding favourites.

They have triumphed over tonight’s opponents in their past eight encounters, with Scotland’s last victory coming back in February 2017.

Ladbrokes have placed Ireland as the 11-point favourites, a spread that appears difficult to thwart, barring an unexpected performance.

While superstitions don’t usually hold weight in professional sports, some Scottish fans might argue that Ireland have become their bogey team.

Blessed with a healthy squad, Andy Farrell has the luxury of selecting his strongest lineup.

While there are players in the wider squad yet to experience World Cup rugby, the significance of this crucial match experimentation.

Ireland are expected to maintain their aggressive approach, but Scotland retain the potential to throw a spanner in the works.

Scotland go into this encounter brimming with confidence following a dominant performance against Romania, during which they scored an impressive 12 tries.

Darcy Graham, who bagged four tries in that match, could challenge for a starting spot among the preferred wingers.

Hamish Watson’s imposing physicality will be pivotal in countering Ireland’s formidable back row if selected.

Coach Gregor Townsend is likely to make changes to the lineup that dismantled Romania, crafting a strategy to counter Ireland’s relentless form.

All eyes are on Ireland, a team that has conquered New Zealand on foreign soil, secured a Grand Slam and remained unbeaten throughout the year.

It would take a monumental stumble for them to falter in this match.

While anticipation lingers for a tournament-altering upset, Scotland face the daunting task of playing the spoiler.

However, such an outcome appears improbable given Ireland’s formidable form.

Prediction: Ireland to triumph by 11 points, with odds at 10/11.

By Stephen Ferris Rugby Legend & Ladbrokes Ambassador

*To read Stephen’s full blog go to sports.ladbrokes. com/news/ 

WOOD FOR A 10TH ROUND KO

TONIGHT, Josh Warrington takes on Leigh Wood for the WBA featherweight title in Sheffield.

This is a massive rivalry in boxing: Leeds v Nottingham. Expect a tremendously exciting fight, but it will be a hard one to call.

We have two great champions.

Leigh Wood is the world featherweight champion, while Josh Warrington would love to become a world champion once again.

To win, Warrington will need to use the abundant work rate in his armoury.

He is such a force to be reckoned with when he is throwing so many punches and can be in your face from the first round to the last.

Wood is going to have to weather that storm.

Now he is very good at doing that and picking pockets in the fight.

Wood has shown some of his best performances to date in his last five fights.

On the other hand, Warrington hasn’t been looking the best in his career judging by his last couple of fights.

For that reason, I believe Wood will come away victorious and remain the world champion.

My pick is Wood in the 10th round at 20/1, and his method of victory will be by knockout, which is priced at 11/4.

By Jason Quigley Irish boxer & Ladbrokes Ambassador

*To read Jason Quigley’s full interview go to sports.ladbrokes. com/news/ 

FRANKIE TO DAZZLE ON INSPIRAL

GROUP One action takes place at