Rugby World Cup 2015 Schedule: Quarter-Final Dates, Betting Odds and Predictions
The stage is set for the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup, with the final eight of South Africa, Wales, New Zealand, France, Ireland, Argentina, Australia and Scotland now confirmed.
Already some big names have bitten the dust, notably hosts England, but we're left with four blockbuster encounters.
Here are the latest odds ahead of those matches, as well as an in-depth look at each tie:
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| Quarter-Final 1: | South Africa (1/3) | Wales (58/19) | Draw (28/1) | |
| Quarter-Final 2 | New Zealand (1/5) | France (19/4) | Draw (33/1) | |
| Quarter-Final 3 | Ireland (4/7) | Argentina (37/19) | Draw (28/1) | |
| Quarter-Final 4 | Australia (1/8) | Scotland (41/5) | Draw (41/1) |
South Africa vs. Wales, October 17
This will be the first of two clashes taking place on October 17 as Pool A runners-up Wales take on Pool B winners South Africa in what should be a hugely entertaining contest at Twickenham.
Despite making it out of their respective groups, there were plenty of mixed emotions. The Welsh have to take on the mighty Springboks without a number of key players, who are unavailable through injury.
As reported by Alex Spink of the Mirror, Wales have a number of long-term absentees having lost as many as 10 backs since the tournament began, which could severely impact on how they perform.
As for Heyneke Meyer's men, they also had to contend with the disappointment of losing against Japan on the opening day, but it is something that has fuelled their improvement ever since, as outlined by record-equalling World Cup try-scorer Bryan Habana (via Wales Online): "Following that shock loss to Japan we had to stand up and be counted and install some pride back into the jersey."
Prediction: The pace and clinical try-scoring of Habana will be difficult for an injury-depleted Welsh XV to contain, especially considering the South Africans have scored the second-highest amount of points at this year's World Cup so far with 176.
A win for the Springboks will set them up nicely to emulate their 2007 crown.
New Zealand vs. France, October 17
The second quarter-final sees the reigning world champions take on Pool D runners-up France at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The All Blacks are one of only three unbeaten teams remaining (alongside Australia and Ireland), which means they are one of the form teams in the competition and are coming into the match with momentum behind them.
Indeed, even France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre isn't shy about paying the team's opponents their dues, but remains open to the possibility of a win, as relayed by Kevin Mitchell of the Guardian: "New Zealand are favourites but in a game of rugby you never know."
The long-standing record held by the champions over Les Bleus, which stretches back nearly 10 years, is a difficult one to dismiss. After all, the French have not beaten them since their 2007 victory at the World Cup—in the last eight, no less.
Nevertheless, there is a strong undercurrent in the rugby ether that France can cause the New Zealanders problems like nobody else.
Indeed, as Huw Richards of the New York Times succinctly put it: "France spooks New Zealand like no other team. It is the one team in the world that might believe it has a better chance against the All Blacks than against Argentina."
Prediction: This will be a fiercely contested battle between two giants of rugby.
France will do their utmost to cause another ambush, but the overwhelming favourites ought to maintain their composure and remember that they have the better players.
A superior New Zealand to make it into the last four.
Ireland vs. Argentina, October 18
Ireland edged their way into the last eight with a marvellous Pool D win against the French to avoid a showdown with New Zealand, while Argentina finished in a comfortable second place in Pool C.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has plenty of absentees to contend with following their final hard-fought pool match as Paul O'Connell and Peter O'Mahony will miss the remainder of the competition through injury, per BBC Sport.
Influential flanker Sean O'Brien has also been banned for a week, per BBC Sport, following this punch:
"Sean O'Brien threw a punch in the first half too. He could well be on the plane home with Paulie for this. #IREvFRA https://t.co/dX7oi1S1o2
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) October 11, 2015"
It's the loss of O'Connell that will hurt most, however, as the injury brings his Ireland career to an end.
Former Ireland international Brian O'Driscoll sent out the following tweet as a mark of respect:
Meanwhile, Argentina will surely be licking their lips at the prospect of facing an injury-ravaged side at the Millennium Stadium.
Having scored the most amount of points in the tournament with 179, they pack a great offensive punch.
They also lack fear, something hinted at by coach Daniel Hourcade, via the Press Association (h/t Daily Mail): "We can work an open game or a closed game. The statistics are not very relevant, but scoring points is good because it shows our intention."
Prediction: Ireland are marginal favourites for this clash considering they have yet to lose, but they won't like the fact so many key players are missing.
As for the Pumas, their uninhibited play will be a real strength, but it's unlikely to be enough against that famous Gaelic spirit. A narrow Irish win.
Australia vs. Scotland, October 18
Pool A winners Australia take on the Scots in the final weekend showdown at Twickenham.
For some pundits, the Wallabies are the clear favourites for this match. Former Scotland and British Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan told the Daily Telegraph he has been impressed with how they have been set up by coach Michael Cheika: "Australia look well prepared. Players confident in the tactical approach. Decision to play two opensides a selectorial masterstroke."
They might just go all the way, but they'll face an arduous task against Scotland who have shown great resilience and fight since the tournament began.
Nevertheless, sometimes that fight has crossed the line, and they will be without Ross Ford and Jonny Gray for the rest of the World Cup following their three-week bans for dangerous tackles against Samoa, per BBC Sport.
Prediction: Scotland won't lie down and take defeat easily, but even a monumental effort will be a step too far for them, especially after losing Ford and Gray.
The Australians will look to send out a message to the rest of their competitors and will win comfortably when the Scots start to tire toward the end.
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