This weekend sees the quarter finals, and in reality the beginning of the business end of the torunament. Now we get to see teams that are more evenly matched, and it is now do or die. Have a bad day and you are out.

QF 1: England v Australia
This game will either be close or Australia will win easily. The question will be how good are the English forwards? If they can dominate up front and gain field position, then Jonny Wilkinson can kick them home. And with their cross field kicking strategy they may sneak a try or two. However if the Aussie forwards achieve parity their backs will have too much class and they’ll put the poms away

QF 2: France v New Zealand
Similiar to QF 1 in that it will be close or very one-sided. The French have that ability to turn it on on their day even though they have been very poor. Their confidence will be low so an early score from NZ will kill their chances. In light of their very poor record in their last 7-8 clashes with NZ, and the fact the game is being played in Cardiff, I am afraid it will be NZ by 30+

QF 3: South Africa v Fiji
Although many are predicting a tough game, this one will be one-sided. The Boks have had a few injury setbacks, but they are primed and ready for this game and they will simply smash the Fijians up front and dominate the set pieces. This will allow the Bok backs too much time and space and I am predicting a 40+ point drubbing.

QF 4: Argentina v Scotland
This game will be closely contested but a drab affair. Both teams will try to gain forward dominance and the Pumas will win that battle. As neither team has any real class in their backline they will look to penalties with their outstanding kickers. I predict the Pumas will win by 10-15 points

Here’s hoping for France and England to help the Bok cause by upsetting the Wobblies and Kiwis…