'Ireland will win by 15 points and knock Scotland out of the World Cup' - Luke Fitzgerald

The clock is ticking to the much anticipated showdown tonight and ahead of the big game predictions suggest an Ireland victory.

Former Ireland fullback Luke Fitzgerald, speaking to BoyleSports who offer the latest Rugby World Cup betting & odds, said:

"Ireland will win by 15 points. I think they are a better team across the board. The only thing that will stop them is if they get a red card. Ireland have won their last eight fixtures against Scotland. They know how to do it.

This squad is perfectly primed to deliver on its potential. And do really well in this tournament. This is the best chance we have ever had to win it.

‘World class’ Johnny Sexton is the best passer in rugby and will be key to Ireland winning.

Ireland definitely has an advantage at ten in terms of decision making. If Johnny stays on point for most of the game that will be a key reason why Ireland will win the game.

Unless you have played with him it is very hard to understand and appreciate how good his decision making is under pressure. His passing is unbelievable. There is no-one in world rugby who comes close.

Based on decision making ability with less time than anyone else, the quality of his passing is unparalleled. I have never seen a player do it as well as him.

It is the thing that makes him so difficult to try to target. If you overdo it and maybe leave a little bit of a dog leg or if you’re a little bit ahead of the guy beside you, he will find a hole. That is something you always have to watch when you target him.

Then you have his vast array of kicking options. Lovely short options and long. He is the full package but the ball handling and the decision making are what make him so hard to target. You need to be smart.

Scotland will be motivated by Ireland players drinking Rosé - they can hurt them.

It will be easier for Scotland to get up for this game. They will think that they will have seen the pictures of Ireland players drinking Rosé – which I’ve got no problem with by the way - and they will think these guys think it is over and done with.

There is enough motivation there. They are obviously going home if they don’t pull out a big win, plus they will have seen some of the comments from Bundee Aki saying we will be seeing South Africa again later in the competition.

The only way that is going to happen is in the final.

This is not unwinnable for Scotland by any stretch. This is a two horse race. I think Ireland are the better side no doubt about it, but Scotland have quality and can hurt teams all over the pitch. They are number 5 in the world for a reason.