England booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the World Cup earlier this week when they watched Japan beat Samoa 28-22 to keep their hopes of victory in France alive. Scotland and Ireland are both in the frame to progress to the knockout stages as well, though only one of the two will make it through and next weekend’s match between the two nations will be decisive. Wales have also ensured that they will be in the next round of the competition before their final group game against Georgia.
With several nations now looking ahead to the latter stages of the competitions, managers must weigh up whether they keep up their momentum and try and win their final group stage matches, or if they rotate their ranks to avoid any key injuries.
Steve Borthwick is among those that must make that decision, and it could prove decisive given that England haven’t been at their best at the tournament to date. His side have remained unbeaten in their opening three matches in Pool D, but Samoa present a different, physical challenge.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s 84-0 thumping of Romania on Saturday night means that they have a live chance of making the knockouts. They face Pool C leaders Ireland next weekend, when everything will be on the line in a stellar clash.
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