It's the Quarters!

Well, as the title says; we have readched the QFs of The Rugby World Cup, and I am going to have snappy look at the credentials and possibilities of the eight left standing.

The Cup has neatly, thanks to that Ireland win over Australia, seaparated it self hemispherically, with England, Ireland, Wales and France on one side and Australia, South Africa, Argentina and the hosts New Zealand on the other. Whilst this does mean that we just get a load of games that we see year on year in the 6 Nations and Tri-nations (with the exception of Argentina, who to be fair, are joining the southern party soon). But geographically is the only way this world cup is ordered. We are fairly safe suggesting that new Zealand will reach the semifinals, they are at home and in supreme form against arguably the weakest side in the round; Argentina. Even without their star man Carter they should still make it. But aside from that it could be anyone!

South Africa face up to Australia, neither of whom had a faultless group stage. The springboks limped past Wales and took their time against Samoa, whilst Australia came second after the aforementioned loss to the Irish. On balence it should be South Africa who advance, smiply because they won their group, but it remains to be seen whether the Aussies will come roaring back or slink home with their tales between their legs. Should be a corker though.

On the other side of the draw things are just as unpredictable, if not more so. France have been poor in the World Cup and may be surprised to find themselves through, having only won two of their four pool games (they are the only side in the QFs to have lost more than once.) And with rumours of the collapse of discipline in the French camp Jonno's men could find themselves running in lots of points against a lacklustre French side. However, we all saw 2007 when dejected and battered England came to the fore, crashing their way to the final. Could France emulate that perfomance? Yes. Will they? Probably not.

England should progress. They could slip up, accidents happen. I doubt it though, the French look weak, and England will be focussing on a potential final appearance. However they will need to get through a semi against Ireland or Wales. The match between these two should be great. Ireland beat Australia in the pool, and for a lot of their squad this will be their final World Cup. I choose them to just pip the young spritely Welsh side who lost to South Africa but grew hugely in confidence with wins over Samoa, Namibia and a crushing victory over Fiji. It'll be close, but Ireland should just get over the line.

Enjoy.