Quarter Finals baby - Day One

So we all know where I think the final will end up, a Wales v ABs ball-flung-round excitement special.

Up to then though, we've got to get through the Quarters this weekend and they promise to be the most epic set of encounters in world rugby ever.

First up, Wales v Ireland.

Ireland have been plucky, massive up front, and in Ferris, O'Brien and Heaslip they have the tournament's stand out loose forward trio (so far). At 10 they have goal kicking prowess in Mr O'Gara so should pick up points but I'm picking Wales to win and by at least FIVE. They've been so dynamic in their play and the forwards have been young, mobile and just as big as Ireland's. They've seen off the might of Samoa and brutalised Sth Africa for 75 minutes. They have three quality no. 10s in Priestland, Hook and Jones and in North and Williams absolutely superb finishers. Plus they have the will to finish moves not just plunder up the field to within kicking distance. If their scrum can hold Ireland's and I expect it to hold up for 80% of the match, then the Welsh finishing skills should ensure a quality victory, although maybe a bit battered and bruised afterwards.

Later, today we have the least interesting of matchups...I shouldn't even bother writing about it....

England v France.

I mean it should, judging by history and tradition, be interesting. France are the unknown force of rugby, they have talent bursting out of every vessel and fibre of their body. They should wipe the floor with most opponents. Yet, at this tournament they appear to be on holiday. I guess that's ok, NZ's a great place to visit. Lots of things to see and do. A sporting man's adventure holiday land if you will. But they've probably not picked the best time of year to see everything. It's generally a bit wet in Autumn as you've seen on your tv screens watching the games. Better to come back in Jan / February and get a bit of a tan at the same time as visit all the sites and you wouldn't have to play rugby at that time of year either.

England while at least having bothered to turn up in some of their games appear to have left their dull, dull kicking boots at home and Messrs Wilkinson and Flood are completely at sea without those. The poms' only know one game, a 10-man game and with their no.10s shafting it completely they have little idea left. They've trundled round the park in their first four pool games and bored the other sides to tears. I expect them to do the same today, and with a call of 'pass it to Chris' (their only decent player), at the end of the game, they will score and break French hearts and win by ONE.

We'll do it all again tomorrow too. As americans would say, "I'm excited, are you excited?, I'm so excited!"