After a pulsating Rugby World Cup to date, we arrive at the knockout stages of the tournament. The Quarter Final line up is not as had been widely expected pre tournament as Ireland, in particular, threw a cat amongst the pigeons by beating Australia to top Pool C. Three out of the four match ups this weekend genuinely look like they could go either way so let us cast an eye over the games in store..
Ireland v Wales
The two form teams in the tournament to date? The Welsh began their campaign with the narrowest of losses to World champions South Africa, in a match they really ought to have won and won every match since that point, seemingly getting better with every game. Ireland took care of the Tri Nations champions with a powerful display up front and have since added some firepower out wide to their game. The battle of the back row will be most intriguing in this one with a titanic tussle on the cards between Sean O’Brien and Sam Warburton. Ireland are the slight favourites in the bookies and their vast experience may well shade it for them on the day.
South Africa v Australia
These two powerhouses of the game would not have envisaged meeting at this stage of the tournament and their respective styles couldn’t be more contrasting. In one corner, you have the free flowing Australians who love run the ball, counter attack and utilise their dangerous back line. All of this is marshalled by the somewhat mercurial Quade Cooper can be brilliant on his day. South Africa, on the other hand, will look to bully their way into the semi final by taking the Australian pack on from the get go. Behind the scrum, they will rely on Morne Steyn to keep the score board kicking over. Best Australia v South Africa odds here.
England v France
The second all European quarter final pits old foes England and France against each other although neither outfit have produced vintage displays thus far. The French are seemingly in the midst of a mutiny the calamitous reign of Marc Lievremont staggers to an end. Despite being humbled by Tonga, France still possess outstanding talent and shouldn’t be ruled out to beat England, who have looked somewhat one dimensional to date. France are a generous 15/8 to beat England and you can get all the best odds for England v France here.
New Zealand v Argentina
This is the most straight-forward of the four quarter finals. Argentina, for all their hunger and passion, will not be good enough to turn over the All Blacks in Auckland. Even without the luckless Dan Carter, New Zealand should win this relatively comfortably. The Pumas will look to get in their faces early on but once the All Blacks secure some decent ball, it is difficult not to see their back line scoring tries. However the spread is quite generous as Argentina are +26 points with the handicap.
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