Rugby World Cup 2019: How to live stream Ireland vs Scotland, kick-off time and team news

Ireland vs Scotland kicks off at 8.45am (BST) on Sunday 22 September

Ireland and Scotland go head to head this morning to open their respective campaigns at the 2019 Rugby World Cup

It’s safe to say the two nations head into this clash on the back of a mixed 12 months.

Although Ireland currently top the world rankings, there’s no doubt the side has blown hot and cold this year. A record defeat by England this summer set alarm bells ringing before a sense of normality was restored with back-to-back wins over Wales.

As for Scotland, the disappointment of their 2019 Six Nations was offset by that thrilling 38-38 draw against England in which Gregor Townsend’s men showed that they possess the means to challenge the game’s biggest and best sides.

Either way, Sunday’s encounter will be a fascinating encounter and one which could determine the winners of Pool A.

How can I live stream it?

You can live stream the match via ITV Hub on a range of devices, including laptops, smartphones and tablets.

ITV will also be broadcasting the match on terrestrial TV.

When is it?

Ireland vs Scotland kicks off at 8.45am (BST) on Sunday 22 September. The match is being played at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium.

Teams

Ireland: 15-Jordan Larmour, 14-Andrew Conway, 13-Garry Ringrose, 12-Bundee Aki, 11-Jacob Stockdale, 10-Johnny Sexton, 9-Conor Murray, 8-CJ Stander, 7-Josh van der Flier, 6-Peter O'Mahony, 5-James Ryan, 4-Iain Henderson, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 2-Rory Best (captain), 1-Cian Healy

Joe Schmidt will be eager to see his men hit the ground running in Japan (Getty)

Scotland: 15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Tommy Seymour, 13-Duncan Taylor, 12-Sam Johnson, 11-Sean Maitland, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Greig Laidlaw, 8-Ryan Wilson, 7-Hamish Watson, 6-John Barclay, 5-Jonny Gray, 4-Grant Gilchrist, 3-Willem Nel, 2-Stuart McInally (captain), 1-Allan Dell

Prediction

Both teams were subject to disappointing defeats over the summer – Scotland against France, Ireland against England – before enjoying a series of encouraging wins that once again raised hopes heading to Japan.

Although the head-to-head between these sides is remarkably close (Scotland – 66, Ireland – 62), the Irish have looked the superior the team in recent years. Whereas Scotland can be somewhat dependent on the brilliance of a handful of key individuals, you feel Ireland are more polished as a collective unit when they get it right. I’m expecting a narrow win for Joe Schmidt and his men.