Rugby World Cup 2015: Schedule and Predictions for Sunday's Quarter-Finals

After New Zealand and South Africa booked their places in the semi-finals of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the spotlight now turns to the two remaining quarter-finals on Sunday.

First, Ireland take on Argentina at the Millennium Stadium, with the winner set to face whoever triumphs from Scotland's clash with Australia in the last quarter-final.

Here is the schedule for the two matches; read on for a closer look at how the two could play out complete with predictions for the outcome.

Date	Time (BST)	Fixture
Sunday, Oct. 18	1 p.m.	Ireland vs. Argentina
Sunday, Oct. 18	4 p.m.	Australia vs. Scotland

Ireland vs. Argentina

Ireland impressed in Pool D with four wins out of four and conceded just 35 points—the joint-lowest of any team in the group stage with Australia—and their comfortable 24-9 win over France particularly stood out.

The Daily Mirror's Kevin Maguire feels the Irish will be carried through to the semi-finals on the back of that performance:

The win came at a price though, as Johnny Sexton's groin strain will keep him out of the match, according to BBC Sport. The fly-half is an incredibly reliable points scorer, but as former England player Brian Moore noted, his replacement Ian Madigan filled in competently for the star:

Ireland's incredible defence and organisation will be a key factor. Opta Jonny shares Ireland's impressive stats from an outstanding group stage:

Argentina have the ability to run the Irish very close though, thanks to their incredible offence, which scored 179 points in the group stage—better even than New Zealand.

According to Sky Sports, the Pumas have the superior head-to-head record against their opponents in World Cups, while their ability at the scrum is one of their biggest strengths.

Sunday's match is likely to be decided on fine margins, but as long as Madigan can continue to ease the loss of Sexton and rack up the points, Ireland's superior defence can give them a narrow edge.

Prediction: Ireland win by seven points

Australia vs. Scotland

Australia won all four of their matches in Pool A—no mean feat in a group that included hosts England and Wales—and the Wallabies are the favourites to progress here.

Scotland were run incredibly close by Japan as they finished runners-up in Pool B courtesy of their two bonus points, but there were hearts in mouths as Samoa almost beat them at St James' Park.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

There is a glimmer of hope for the Scots though, as Australia will be without David Pocock and Israel Folau after the pair were ruled out due to injury, according to the Guardian's Michael Butler.

Per Butler's report, Pocock will particularly be missed, having won 10 turnovers in just three group-stage matches—the most in the tournament.

Nevertheless, Australia are still much the better side, and what could prove crucial is their ability to finish strongly. Opta Jonny demonstrates their incredible resilience in the final quarter of matches:

Even if Scotland can keep the score close past the hour-mark, Australia's solid defence could make the difference.

What might also help Vern Cotter's side is if Australia approach the game with complacency.

However, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has firmly warned against it. Per Butler, he said: "We don’t think we are [favourites]. No one was saying that about us a few months ago. By the nature of the tournament and the stage this game is at, I think this will be our toughest match."

With Australia set to take the Scots seriously, they should be able to put in a professional performance and secure their place in the final four.

Prediction: Australia win by 20 points