Who will progress from this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals?
Over the last six weeks, 20 of the world’s finest rugby teams have been battling it out during the pool stage of the Rugby World Cup.
Now this phase of the competition has come to an end, we’re left with just eight sides who are battling for supremacy in this weekend’s quarter-finals. But, who will come out on top in each of these gargantuan clashes?
Well, we’ve taken a look at the latest news stories and expert opinions to analyse each team’s chances.
Wales vs Argentina
Where: Marseille
When: Saturday 14th October
Time: 16:00 UK time
This weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals kick off with a match-up between Wales and Argentina. In many ways, Warren Gatland’s Wales side have been the tournament’s surprise team. Although many pundits felt they would struggle to get out of Pool C, they actually topped the group and went undefeated, winning 19 points out of a possible 20.
Meanwhile, Argentina finished second in Pool D, behind England. Although they started the tournament slowly, they grew in confidence throughout the pool phase and have now started to play something like their best rugby. Although Wales will be the favourites with the bookies heading into this clash, Argentina will pose a stern test.
Ireland vs New Zealand
Where: Saint-Denis, Paris
When: Saturday 14th October
Time: 20:00 UK time
Rugby games don’t get much bigger than this: the side currently ranked as the world’s number one against the all-conquering All Blacks.
Ireland come into this game in fine form. After all, they defeated the Springboks during the pool stage and have now won almost 20 test matches in a row. Plus, several of their players who picked up niggles during the pool phase of the tournament have recovered from injury in time for this clash.
By contrast, New Zealand are a bit of a wounded animal at the moment. The All Blacks were hammered by South Africa in a warmup game and fell to defeat against France in the tournament’s opening game. However, they have since found form and scored more than 70 points in each of their three remaining pool games. Plus, they also have a fully fit squad to select from.
Ireland have never made it past the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup, but Andy Farrell’s men should fancy their chances of edging past the All Blacks this weekend. If they clear the mental barrier and play their best rugby, they should succeed and progress to the semi-finals.
England vs Fiji
Where: Marseille
When: Sunday 15th October
Time: 16:00 UK time
You perhaps wouldn’t know it from the press coverage, but England have progressed from Pool D unbeaten and go into this quarter-final against Fiji in good form. Yes, their kick-heavy game isn’t easy on the eye, but it has been mightily effective so far in the tournament.
By contrast, Fiji looked like they were flying after they defeated Australia in Pool C. However, a surprising loss against Portugal has dampened expectations somewhat. That said, while England will certainly enter this clash as favourites, the powerful and spirited Fijians are more than capable of springing a surprise and knocking out Steve Borthwick's men.
France vs South Africa
Where: Saint-Denis, Paris
When: Sunday 15th October
Time: 20:00 UK time
The final quarter final between France and South Africa is perhaps the pick of this weekend’s ties.
Before the tournament began, France were widely perceived to be the favourites to win their first Webb Ellis Cup. However, despite a strong opening day victory over New Zealand, injuries have hampered the team’s progress. That said, Antoine Dupont, the team’s talisman and captain is set to return for this game. Dupont, a skilful scrum-half is undoubtedly the world’s best player and his presence on the pitch will undoubtedly give the French fans inside the Stade de France a huge lift.
Meanwhile, South Africa started the tournament strongly but fell to defeat against Ireland. As a result, they enter this clash with a point to prove. Their game plan for this encounter is clear: win collisions, battle hard at the scrum and dominate the breakdown.
While South Africa’s play is all about force, power and size, France instead rely on skill and flair. This game is a fascinating clash of styles and either team could come out on top. But, if you forced us to pick, we’d side with home favourites France… just.
Final thoughts
All four of this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals look tantalising. But, if you only have time to watch two, opt for Ireland vs New Zealand and France vs South Africa. This is because these two games feature all four of the world’s top teams.
Think you know who will win these four epic encounters? Let us know in the comments below.
