2015 Rugby World Cup: Quarter-Finals Preview & Tips
The 2015 Rugby World Cup will move into serious territory as the last eight standing nations clash in the quarter-finals. With the final still some distance away, all sides will be wary of balancing expectations and form while planning to avoid upsets.
Wales vs South Africa – Twickenham, Sunday 2am AEDST
Both Wales and Australia wanted to avoid South Africa in the quarter-finals but Wales were the team that ended their pool second best. The massively physical game against Wallabies plus the injury to Liam Williams will worry Wales, but they will take hope from beating England earlier this tournament and South Africa last November.
The Springboks have bounced back from a shock loss to Japan in the first game. Bryan Habana will be eager to set the record for World Cup tries while the young pairing of Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager have worked wonders and could prove vital.
South Africa to score a try as the first scoring play of the game at odds of $5.50 at Sportsbet looks an enticing option as there is very little value elsewhere.
New Zealand vs France – Millennium, Sunday 6am AEDST
The All Blacks are in familiar territory and are the undisputed #1 team in the world. There will be talk of the infamous loss at the same stage in 2007 at the same ground however it’s hard to see lightning striking twice and definitely not for the All Blacks. However, the Champions have struggled to assert their supremacy so far in the tournament.
That provides a ray of hope for the French. Although they fancy taking the All Blacks in important knock-out matches, this match could prove one step too many for them.
Expect New Zealand to lead at both half-time and full-time at odds of $1.40 a Sportsbet.
Ireland Vs Argentina – Millennium, Sunday 11pm AEDST
The Irish are up against history as they have never won a World Cup quarter-final. Also, the loss of captain Paul O’Connell and flanker Sean O’Brien could prove tough to compensate.
The Pumas have shown more attacking flair than they ever did, in this tournament. Their only poor game was against the All Blacks. They also have an edge over the Irish in World Cup encounters.
Back Argentina to win the match at odds of $2.55 at Sportsbet.
Australia vs Scotland – Twickenham, Monday 2am AEDST
Australia take on Scotland in what could prove to be a ‘banana peel’. It is often difficult to tackle opponents who have nothing to lose. Scotland is already on a high reaching the quarter-finals stage and will look to create another upset. Australia, under Michael Cheika, have demonstrated one of the best all-round games at the tournament so far.
The coach will, however, be wary of the exertions from the Wales match as well as the cavalier play of the underdogs Scotland. But, Samao highlighted the defensive frailties of the Scots and the Wallabies should be able to exploit them.
Australia to score a try as the first score of the game looks attractive at odds of $4.33 at Sportsbet.
For New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, marching into semi-finals is considered a foregone conclusion. This could mean extra pressure for them and added incentive for their opponents to create an upset. Will there be one? We’ll have to wait and see!
