RWC Forecast – Quarter-Finals

Well the pool stages are now done and dusted, 40 matches gone by the wayside with 12 teams back for an early round of golf. That means it’s business time, and there are some tasty match-ups for the quarters, with zero unanimous picks!

The standings after the pool stages have Paul at the top by a nose over Patrick, and poor Bryan’s tactics of picking the long-shots backfiring badly and seating him in the basement. Can the middle of the pack catch up, or will Paul race away at the finish? The records are as follows:

35-5 Paul
34-6 Patrick
33-7 Ted
31-9 Doug, Junoir
30-10 Bryan

Chris and Victor have been kidnapped by their employers, but Paul’s still here to pitch up for the South Americans, and we’re got a full contingent of North American gurus with Junoir Blaber (Rugby Wrap Up), Doug Coil (DJ Coil Rugby / TIAR) and Patrick Johnston (The Province) still up for it along with Bryan and Ted!

Here are our RWC 2015 Quarter-Finals predictions!

 

QFs	RSA v WAL	NZL v FRA	IRE v ARG	AUS v SCO
Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News	RSA +10	NZL +12	IRE +3	AUS +8
Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby	RSA +3	NZL +7	IRE +4	AUS +9
Junoir Blaber Rugby Wrap Up	WAL +2	FRA +3	ARG +5	SCO +1
Patrick Johnston The Province	RSA +8	NZL +6	IRE +5	AUS +10
Paul Tait Americas Rugby News	RSA +7	FRA +2	ARG +6	AUS +18
Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News	RSA +3	NZL +7	IRE +3	AUS +6

 

JB’s disclaimer: My picks are all heart over head!! I advise nobody to put down money on my picks.

 

SOUTH AFRICA v WALES

Hard to see Wales getting past South Africa, but one person thinks they just might…

BR: The Boks seem to have gotten over their Japan hiccup completely. Wales have done well to make it this far, can’t see them going any further sadly.

DC: South Africa is on a roll. Wales are playing well despite multiple injuries. Pollard’s penalty kicking secures a semi-final spot.

JB: I back the Welsh. Sure, they have a MASH unit list of injuries and are down to their fifth choice 13 and fourth choice fullback. That said I really do not think Heyneke Meyer is a good coach and he doesn’t deserve to be in the quarters! If South Africa were in the pool of death instead of Wales they would be out, so I am backing Gatland-ball to the hilt.

PJ: The Boks are rolling while Wales keep piling up the injuries – so it’s gotta be the Welsh, right? Wrong. South Africa look ready for the final, while Warren Gatland may have to suit up himself.

PT: Too many questions over depth due to Welsh injuries make the Boks clear favorites to win. Japan aside, South Africa have been impressive.

TH: Both teams have taken their lumps this tournament, some mentally others physically. It’s quarter-final time, so anything can happen. Going to be a matter of which team sets the tone physically.

 

NEW ZEALAND v FRANCE

New Zealand firm favorites, but the chance for an upset seems too good to pass up for some.

BR: Les Bleus are sans coach, it sounds like, so maybe there’s room for another classic upset? I doubt it.

DC: The French backs will generate excitement, but New Zealand will find a way to the semi-final in the end.

JB: It is an incredible thing the Kiwis are trying to do. The French know how to get up for them. I think I see the French players once again ignoring the coach, fighting for each other and shocking the world.

PJ: Who knows what’s going on in the French camp? What we do know is this is not a well-loved team. They play the power game well but French rugby has turned into a dull knife – everything New Zealand is not. The All Blacks may be getting up there, but they still do everything so, so well.

PT: Philippe Saint-André confirmed his appallingness against Ireland and now is the time to unleash the flair. I fancy a shock result amidst the players revolt. Hopefully this means off with the shackles.

TH: The French revolt makes this match a lot more interesting. A week ago, I would have said All Blacks by 20+, now I think we could be in for a surprise.

 

IRELAND v ARGENTINA

Arguably the closest call of the weekend. Can the Pumas return to the semis or will Ireland soldier on?

BR: Difficult choice this. Argentina have had a pretty easy road to the quarters, and Ireland are beat up. I think Irish pride gets it done, but only just.

DC: Ireland lost their captain and leader. They don’t commit many handling errors. Argentina’s attack has been effective, but their handling errors will be the difference.

JB: I am torn because I have had to deal with so much Irish trolling regarding Sean O’Brien’s lenient sentence that I don’t know who to back. I like the Argies and the powerhouse they have become. I don’t know if they have it in them to seal the deal. I guess if I have to pick someone I pick the Argies since the Irish will be missing three key members of their pack.

PJ: Jonny Sexton is cleared to play. I doubt he’s fully fit but he’s going to be Ireland’s x-factor nonetheless. The Pumas have had strong patches but that Irish defeat of France showed they’re on top of their game like few others.

PT: Injuries and suspensions complicate Ireland. Argentina have fresh legs after resting most against Namibia. The Pumas’ game plan and defense should work.

TH: The Northern Hemisphere’s best shot at reaching the semi-finals is far from a given. Ireland took some hits in their win over France and now have to face an Argentina side that is good enough to reach the finals.

 

AUSTRALIA v SCOTLAND

The Wallabies are hot favorites, but with the minutes-old news that Ford and J-Gray will play, will that inspire the Scots to a famous victory?

BR: No question here, Australia are class and should get through reasonably safely.

DC: Australia have had a strong tournament. Scotland loses two key forwards that were suspended. Australia will find the seams and win.

JB: Speaking of injustice, Scotland have been so hard done by the refs. The Scots will rally and pull off their greatest victory since Billy Wallace defeated the English!

PJ: Greig Laidlaw is a marvellous player but the Aussies are the complete package. Bernard Foley has an array of weapons to choose from… and what is left to say about the amazing Wallaby scrum?

PT: Little chance of Scotland winning whatsoever. The Wallabies are better in every position and area.

TH: Australia may think they have the best draw of the quarterfinals. They’ll be careful not to sleep on the Scots. Only question is whether Scotland can put together a full 80 minutes? They haven’t yet.