Ireland v France and Wales v Australia were both pretty impressive contents too. Not impressive in the range of skills on show but in the 'omg, they have literally just become human battering rams' way. Whatever is left of France and Wales will probably not be much. Both of these teams deservedly lost their encounters after failing to try anything at all. Watch Dan Biggar with his head in his hands as Cuthbert and North repeatedly turned into or ran straight at opponents is heart breaking. Poor Dan has the misfortune of being far too damn good for the rest of his humongous, hulk-sized, one-idea colleagues. France too have had every piece of endeavour cut from them. Despite playing against an Ireland team that had players dropping like the plague, they still couldn't muster any quality, style or invention. It's a great shame. Ireland won easily but they'll be counting the cost of losing O'Brien, O'Connell and Sexton this weekend.
So to the matchups this weekend. I asked rugby genius, Marty (back home in NZ) his thoughts on the matches too so have popped those in.
QF1 - South Africa vs Wales
Whatever's left of Wales after their huge injury hit campaign will probably be annihilated by South Africa. Which is a pity because we'd all like to see South Africa lose. After all, Japan beating them was the highlight of this and every single other World Cup. Dan Biggar deserves a better team. Maybe when Gatland goes they'll add a bit of dynamism to their play and look a bit more threatening with the ball. Kriel and Allende should have far too much guile for Lord of the Rings extra Roberts and whoever is still alive to partner him. Up front, Etsebeth and the baby-faced bruiser De Jager will trample all over the Welsh.Not expecting it to be pretty but Boks by 10.
Marty: Loving the Springbok’s midfield right now (which they fielded during the Rugby Championship when JDV was out injured) and if they fire they should beat the Welsh. But the Welsh have been surprisingly gutsy this tournament, if a little stupid.
QF2 - New Zealand vs France
In a repeat of virtually every single other RWC we are drawn to play France again. Once again instead of being the easybeats they look like against everyone else, they'll probably play light years ahead of themselves and give us a torrid time. Having been to the 1999 RWC semi-final loss and the 20-20 draw in Paris, I know only too well how good the French are. I can't imagine the French playing as badly, or as insipidly as they did last week against the Irish. All attempts at moving the ball have been lasered from them, so I guess we know how they'll play. It's just up to our forwards to withstand the barrage. I note though with a twinge of alarm, that their players have mutinied this morning and have sacked Philip St-Andre as coach. Probably for the best - he's made them into a terrible team. Basteraud has been dropped and the infinitely better Fofana is in again. Dusatoir is still brilliant and will probably make mincemeat of Kaino.As to us, the team looks ok if a little un-imaginative. I personally can't see the point of playing Dan Carter any more and would prefer BB or Slade there, or maybe McKenzie or Sapoaga. Dan will probably get injured during this game anyway so one of them will be on the plane if we get through. Ben Smith at fullback is a waste of the two or three tries he would get playing on the wing, so I'd play Mulder Scully at fullback. Lastly, Read probably needs a break or a surprise sit on the bench to wake him up - Cane could play 8 very happily. The bench look lively and only the scrum which has gone backwards against every team so far is an issue. The answer of course is no scrums. Not easy when we've made more handling errors than any other team at the RWC.
Would I be surprised if we lost? No. By any measure, we'be been below par so far in the cup. We simply don't seem to be able to catch the ball with any regularity. But we must have a good performance coming soon...surely? ABs by 10.
Marty: We will cream them Dave – I think the mental states of the two teams are quite different this time. I’m predicting a win by 13+. The ABs will open their full bag of tricks, some of which you started to see in the second half of the Tonga match – e.g. they switched to a gang-tackling strategy and attacked the rucks a lot more than they have done all year. Only worry is the scrum – get it in and get it out!
QF 3 - Ireland vs Argentina
Like everyone else I've been impressed with Argentina. They have an excellent 1st five (Sanchez) and dazzling wings (Cordero - quick as!) and of course their rock solid scrum. Ireland have started to look like a team that are just on the wrong side of their peak. Key players are injured or suspended for this game so things look a bit squeaky. Ireland's big game nous and Six Nations winning experience should be enough but key leadership is gone from the field.Ireland look shaky throughout but win by 3.
Marty: Would love to see Argentina go through but I think the Irish will be too smart for them.
QF4 - Australia vs Scotland
Scotland have had a good campaign but they're a team on the build and this is too soon for them. I expect big things of Russell and co. over the next few years but right now, Australia are just too good. I expect them to run Scotland off the park in the second half.Australia by as many as they can be bothered scoring. Probably by 15.
Marty: Australia should hammer Scotland, especially now that they’ve lost two key forwards. I guess you never discount the Scots backs-to-the-wall mentality though, eh.
Can't wait. It's going to be a fantastic weekend of sport. Fingers crossed we're still there on the other side! Come on All Blacks.
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