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.
jean claude
Guest
or ireland
Cathal
Guest
Its easy to look dangerous when your playing Georgia,Tonga Namibia.
Tom Hagis
Guest
I just think you're wrong about Ireland... Argentina are improving every week and look dangerous with the ball! Good call on south africa and new zealand though.,
Akari
Roar Rookie
SA was lucky to score 1 try against Wales and win. What was the game plan, Harry, other than SA kicking possession aimlessly away and hope for kickable penalties?
Cathal
Guest
Ireland are a NH side and have beaten as many tri nations sides in the last 2 years than Argentina have done in a good long time, who cares if they beat SA once when SA where playing dire people seem to quickly forget that they where pumped 34-9 by Australia a week earlier and a week after the SA win when SA actually played relatively well they hammed ARG without even getting into 3rd gear.
Paul
Guest
Pity any team that has Barnes as a ref the worst ref in the world cup...
Colm
Roar Guru
Good article, I think it will be three SH and one NH.
Sluggy
Roar Guru
"Argentina, while they have made great strides in the past four years, are not yet at Ireland’s level." Let's think about that, for a minute. Ireland have beaten Australia and the 'bok - at home - in the last 2 years. Pumas have beaten Wobs - at home. And smacked the Saffers, away. The Puma's pack is lauded as one of the best in the world. Better than the Wobs or ABs at the set piece, or so it is said. The Pumas backs - halfbacks probably better than Australia's. Back three can be lethal. Pumas by 4 pts.
Mike Julz
Guest
South Africa by 10 New Zealand by 30 Ireland by 4 Australia by 25
Harry Jones
Expert
SA 3 tries Wales 1 NZ 5 tries FR 1 OZ 4 tries Scotland 0 ARG 2 tries IRE 2
Raugeee
Guest
How Joubert didn't yellow card Felatau after he warned him he would, then give 2 to the Wallabies.... I couldn't watch rugby for years because of the reffing. If Joubert is reffing an AB/Wallaby final - I won't even watch. Not even Joubert's reffing can save Scotland this weekend though. They couldn't even win a single game in the the 6 nations and Wallabies won the 4 nations.
Raugeee
Guest
South Africa by 6, NZ by 23, Argentina by 9, OZ by 17
Bro
Guest
In a Cooper-free team yes the Wobbilies would beat Scotland. But with Cooper subbed-in somewhere in the second half there is a 75% chance of a yellow card, and a good chance of an intercept try (to Scotland). If Cooper gets on the field then a small margin win to Scotland. If Cooper stays on the bench then it could go either way as this player will infect the rest of the team with his bad luck even from the bench. Truly one of Cheikas most stupid selections.
Jackie Estacado
Roar Rookie
Wales? If they learn to pass the ball more than once they could try... but SA look like the AND1 in comparison. NZ will be out for blood and will eat Michilak for kicking the ball away. Wallabies... looks a bit easy, but that is when they are at their worst, but with a mad dog coaching them, they will be a bit scared to take it easy. Pumas to put everything they have got... and i dunno who will win, brain says Ireland, brain also says Argentina. Different brains.
Dublin Dave
Guest
Just been reported that Johnny Sexton is out of the Irish team for the quarter final tomorrow. His place is being taken by Ian Madigan. Ireland have also called up geriatric scrum half Isaac Boss to replace Jarod Payne whose tournament ended last week. A scrum half for a centre? Not as crazy or "Irish" as you may think. Ireland only brought two scrum halves to begin with. The emergency third choice was to be...Ian Madigan. But now, as he is the starting number 10, they clearly need more cover at 9. So the logic is sound; I just wish the options were better. I still think Ireland can shade it against Argentina. But it will be a mighty challenge.
kavvy
Guest
it's a sth hemisphere sweep except maybe the Irish to beat the argies if their injuries/suspension don't cost them. Boks by 9, ABS by 14, Wallabies by 14, Pumas by 2
DJM
Guest
I'm not sold on Ireland at present , especially with injuries & suspension . Yes they did beat a very average France although I think the Pumas can cause the upset this weekend . I've been quietly impressed with Argie play and believe backline has improved to back up an ever solid forward pack . Southern Hemisphere wins alround for me -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Adrian
Roar Rookie
Hmm... Tactics Australia to put big effort into heavy carries in 1st half featuring Kepu, Sio, Douglas, to get defence on back foot and (hopefully) provide us with quick ball for attacks in the 10,12,13 channels. We'll stay tight. In 2nd half, we'll start like that too, but quickly (after 10 min) switch to only the occasional heavy carry (Douglas, TPN), but move it wide with criss-cross runners down the middle (Cooper, AAC, Mitchell) 2nd half tempo will be high, driven by Phipps. We won't get much turnover ball, but the idea will be to use it super quickly, especially in 2nd half. Australia to win by 12, other games to SA NZ France. I tipped Arg and Wales in NZ herald comp, but just to try and clawback points
SA by 6 (Although I am hoping for 20) NZ by 17 Ireland by 1 (Although hoping it is Arg by any) OZ by 23
kepu the first try scorer again Scotland, or in the QF's?