Rugby World Cup: Quarter Final preview

WALES v ARGENTINA

Wales are as overrated as much as Argentina are understated, but I still take the Principality to win narrowly.

In Rees-Zammit they have one of the most lethal wings around but Beffelli of Argentina runs  him close.

IRELAND v NEW ZEALAND

The tie of the round, if not the tournament so far, and I take the All Blacks to win.

They have qualified under the radar but their previous sides have suffered in the Group stages from lack of serious competition, but not this one which has had to play France and Scotland.

Ireland are arguably the best team in the world but have never previously reached the Semis.

The All Black weak link is skipper Sam Cane but he is not that bad as Savea’s input will ensure they match the formidable Irish back row.

 

ENGLAND v FIJI

England’s bizarre selections – and retaining Owen Farrell at all costs – makes their match against the always exuberant Fijians closer than it should be.

I still predict a narrow England victory but that will be the end of the line for a hapless team that has contributed little to the tournament.

 

FRANCE v SOUTH AFRICA

French flair trumps the Boks behemoths. The Boks’ emphasis on a forward power game has won them few friends – not helped by Rassie Erasmus’ asinine comments.

France have shown there is more to their side than Dupont and Ntamack and I see a comfortable win here.