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The Rugby World Cup quarter finals are upon us. And isn’t it getting exciting? Maybe a little too exciting? Well, here are our tips for the 2015 quarters.
The players are primed, our experts have been salivating at the prospect of losing two full nights sleep to watch rugby played at the highest level.
With a very juicy pool stage over, we move into what look to be an exceptionally juicy set of fixtures.
A shaky South Africa play an injured and cornered Wales with absolutely nothing to lose. With both teams missing key players, it should still be an exceptionally tough contest, with the Welsh bringing it to the Aussies after getting the better of England.
Then we have a clash for the ages – with New Zealand to test themselves against an up-and-down French side.
There’s no way le Bleus should be able to win this game. No way. But you just never know. Just re-watch the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.
Ireland and Argentina is arguably the match of the quarter finals, with both teams in good form and intent on running the football. Injuries cloud Ireland’s game here, while the question of whether Argentina can step up on this stage is the big question for them.
And then there’s Scotland and the Wallabies, which should be a fantastic game.
I’ve asked Chris and Brett to help me out with the tips, and have also put together a voting for for everyone to pick who they think we’ll win. Us guys against the experts – the way it should be.
Chris Roche
Tips: South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia
South Africa to win. Wales have come off a bruising test match against Australia, and South Africa are now finding their groove.
NZ to win. France are NZ’s bogey team and whilst NZ haven’t played that well in this RWC, I think they are leaving their best for last.
Ireland. Before the loss of the great Paul O’Connell, I tipped Ireland to be a dark horse. However, losing O’Connell is like losing John Eales, let alone the injuries to Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony.
Nonetheless I still say Ireland due to their fighting spirit and the fact that Argentina have had a very easy pool and have only been tested (and found wanting) by NZ..
Australia to win. Australia is simply playing too well and at this stage of the tournament, are the form team.
Brett McKay
Tips: Wales, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia
Wales – South Africa probably will be too good, but gut feeling has been telling me to ignore my pre-tournament prediction about the ‘Boks.
New Zealand – Though it would be funny – and more than a touch ironic – if France got up, the All Blacks really should be too good.
Ireland – I like that Argentina have improved during the pool stage, but Ireland have an injured figurehead to play for now.
Australia – Need to break the Scottish curse and properly reward these impressive wins over the last two weeks.
Paddy Effeney
Tips: South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, Australia
I’m being very boring with my tips, though some might say Argentina are a surprise. I just think they’re playing some excellent football right now, and Ireland are hurt and tired, and won’t be at their best.
The Wallabies, Springboks and New Zealand should all be good enough to beat out their northern hemisphere opponents, but I will definitely be waking up to watch the All Blacks’ game against France, and will be chewing my fingernails until they’re 20 points ahead.
It’s one of the great World Cup rivalries!
Roar Rugby World Cup expert tips:
| Chris | Brett | Paddy | The Crowd | |
| SA v WAL | South Africa | Wales | South Africa | South Africa (70%) |
| NZ v FRA | New Zealand | New Zealand | New Zealand | New Zealand (83%) |
| IRE v ARG | Ireland | Ireland | Argentina | Argentina (67%) |
| AUS v SCO | Australia | Australia | Australia | Australia (89%) |
Table last updated 2:10pm AEDT.
Bonus! Microsoft’s Bing Predictions team have set themselves for the Rugby World Cup, and offer the following predictions:
South Africa over Wales (53% chance)
New Zealand over France (79% chance)
Ireland vs Argentina (73% chance)
Australia vs Scotland (84% chance)
Surprised? Bing is basically saying the Boks vs Wales is a flip of the coin, while Ireland are a much better chance of getting up over the Pumas. We shall see!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.