Well were down to the last couple of games in all the pools and surprisingly there is still something to play for in three of the four sets.
First up we look at the likely quarter finalists from Pool C and D with the draw dictating: -
QF1 – 1st Pool C v 2nd Pool D
QF3 – 1st Pool D v 2nd Pool C
Ireland lead the way in Pool C but they still have a bit of work to do before they qualify:
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | TF | TA | BP | PTS |
| Ireland | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 99 | 28 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 13 |
| Australia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 105 | 26 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| Italy | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 86 | 59 | 13 | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| USA | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 122 | 4 | 18 | 0 | 4 |
| Russia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 35 | 128 | 5 | 19 | 1 | 1 |
Matches to Play
| Sat Oct 01 | 3.30 | Australia | v | Russia | Nelson |
| Sun Oct 02 | 8.30 | Ireland | v | Italy | Dunedin |
With only lowly Russia to play Australia are undoubtedly through on 15 points and it should be in second place with Ireland winning the Pool on 17 points after seeing off a gritty Italian challenge.
However every Italian player will have been thinking about this game since the Pools were finalised and they are in exactly the position they wanted to be, with a win, any win, being all that stands between them and World Cup glory! Ireland, on the other hand, have never had a better chance to get a run to the final but they must be wary not to look beyond this game or the Italians might just rise up and bite them in the ass!
It’s the last chance for too many of the Ireland team to let this one slip so it’s Ireland top with Australia in second place.
Pool D has been exciting and frustrating in equal measure.
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | TF | TA | BP | PTS |
| South Africa | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 153 | 19 | 20 | 1 | 2 | 14 |
| Wales | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 114 | 34 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Samoa | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 86 | 36 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Fiji | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 59 | 101 | 7 | 10 | 1 | 5 |
| Namibia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 44 | 266 | 5 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Matches to Play
| Fri Sept 30 | 8.30 | South Africa | v | Samoa | Auckland |
| Sat Oct 01 | 6.00 | Wales | v | Fiji | Hamilton |
Wales have played the best rugby in the group but they were beat by a poor South Africa, struggled against Samoa hammered Namibia but might just face their most difficult opponents in the final round against Fiji, especially if they both decide to play an open game. It may go against their instincts but Wales should be able to close it down and play through their forwards and get revenge for their defeat four years ago.
South Africa have been disappointing and have yet to hit their straps, or indeed decide on their best 22, but if they do they still have the potential to be contenders for the overall trophy. Whether they do or not for the game against Samoa shouldn’t matter as they should have enough grunt up front to see off the Islanders and finish top of the Pool.
The Front Row Union Predicts the following Quarter Finals.
QF1 8th October 6:00am, Wellington Stadium - Ireland v Wales
QF3: 9th October 6:00am, Wellington Stadium - South Africa v Australia
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