Scotland permutations

Scotland have a proud record of having reached the knockout phase of every World Cup.

But, following Sunday's agonising 13-12 defeat to Argentina in Wellington, the hopes of Andy Robinson's men hang by a thread.

World Cup Pool B remains finely poised with England, Argentina and Scotland vying for two qualifying positions and to avoid hosts New Zealand in the last eight.

England and Scotland meet on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland, while Argentina take on Georgia the following day.

Entering the final round of matches, England lead the way on 14 points, with Argentina and Scotland tied on 10 each.

Four points are awarded for a win, with one additional point for scoring four tries or more and one point for a losing team that finishes within seven points of the opposition.

So, just how can Scotland do it?

Scotland qualify first, England second:

Scotland win by more than eight points and Argentina lose.

Scotland win with a four-try bonus point and Argentina win without a bonus point.

England qualify first, Scotland second:

Scotland win by seven points or fewer and Argentina lose.

Scotland and Argentina lose but Scotland gain more bonus points.

England and Scotland draw and Argentina lose.

Argentina qualify first, Scotland second:

Argentina win with a four-try bonus point, Scotland win by eight points or more and England pick up no bonus points.

Argentina win with a four-try bonus point and Scotland win with a four-try bonus point.

Qualification to be decided on points difference:

Scotland win by eight points or more and Argentina win (England are way in front in this category).