Scotland 11-10 for last-eight spot after sweeping Shizuoka success over Russia

Scotland are 11-10 to reach the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after beating Russia 61-0 at the Shizuoka Stadium in Fukuroi to set up a sensational weekend of Pool A finales.

If, as expected, Ireland beat Samoa in Fukuoka on Saturday to make the last eight, Scotland would not only need to beat Japan in Sunday's Yokohama showdown but also deny the hosts a bonus point in defeat.

One bonus point for the Brave Blossoms would leave the Scots needing a four-try bonus point. In those circumstances, two bonus points for Japan - for four tries and staying within seven points - would mean elimination for Scotland, as would any result other than a Dark Blue victory.

Should all three teams end up with 15 points then the head-to-head tie-breaker would be passed over as each team will have recorded one victory over each other and the next tie-breaker would be points-difference.

Scotland have surged to the front in this criteria courtesy of George Horne's hat-trick, a brace for Adam Hastings and touchdowns for George Turner, Tommy Seymour, John Barclay and Stuart McInally against the Bears. Then it is Ireland, with the hosts in third.

A bonus-point triumph for Ireland over Samoa on Saturday would guarantee their progress to the last eight and they are asked to give up 26 points on the handicap.

Ireland are 4-6 to win Pool A with Japan at 6-5 and Scotland at 33-1, while the Brave Blossoms are 4-6 to qualify. Samoa are 20-1 to stun Ireland and leave Joe Schmidt's side cheering on a Japan win over Scotland.

Early match prices for Sunday have Scotland as 3-4 favourites with the hosts at 7-5 and the draw at 28-1. The Brave Blossoms get a two or three-point start on the handicap.

Hold your bets for now, though, as to add to the permutations, there are persistent rumours that the tournament organisers may move Sunday's Yokohama fixture to avoid the risk of it being cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis. If the fixture is called off it would go down as a 0-0 draw, which would eliminate Scotland.

For exclusive Rugby World Cup tips, team breakdowns, betting guides, results and more visit racingpost.com/rugby-world-cup

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