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The pool stages are done and the Rugby World Cup 2015 has hit the quarter finals. There have been a few surprise results, particularly as the hosts didn’t make it out of the pools.
But with the business end of the tournament here, who will make it through to the semis?
1) South Africa versus Wales
South Africa are going to be far too strong. I think it is preposterous to think that the Springboks are down and out merely because of their troubles in pool play and leading up to the tournament.
Sure, they are not in fine form, but this is still South Africa. Let us not forget how formidable they can be.
Wales are injury stricken and even though they may provide world rugby with another Cinderella victory, I am inclined to think that this weakened Welsh team will not be able to rise to a South African side that has something to prove to the world.
I believe this game will be tight, and the battle will be won up front in the forward packs. I am also inclined to think this game will be won on penalties and a high try count should not be expected.
South Africa to win by less than ten points.
2) France versus New Zealand
This is a game that has been overhyped and dramatised by the media. Yes, I concede that France has inherently been the New Zealand All Blacks ‘bogie’ team over the course of Rugby World Cup history but this All Blacks team is not like the others.
If we look at this objectively, this All Black team is comprehensively better than this French team.
The argument against me here is that ‘French flair’ on the day could produce anything. In their last 44 Test matches the French have only scored 79 tries.
That is, on average less than two tries a game for nearly 80 Test matches. So much for French flair.
I understand that anything could happen on the day. But this All Blacks team has something to prove in a quarter-final at a Rugby World Cup eight years removed from their disastrous exit at the hands of the French.
The All Blacks will win this game, and they will win it handily. I don’t believe that it is going to be close, I think we will see a clinical performance from New Zealand.
3) Ireland versus Argentina
Ireland has been one of the shining lights of this competition; in form and on song at every single juncture of the World Cup.
They are a better team than Argentina on the whole. While Argentina’s scrum and forward pack pose a real threat to Ireland, that is just about where their ‘troubles’ end.
It will be a close game with Ireland edging out Argentina; this Irish team are serious contenders at this World Cup. Argentina, while they have made great strides in the past four years, are not yet at Ireland’s level.
4) Australia versus Scotland
This is the result I am most confident of. Australia is the most in-form team of the tournament. Scotland, in my opinion, do not have the ability to beat Australia.
Australia have been the most impressive contenders so far and are probably favourites form wise to take the competition out. Hopefully, they have more in the changing shed and haven’t shown too much of what they have to offer.
Australia are going to beat Scotland comfortably. There is nothing I am more certain of.
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.