Rugby World Cup 2023: The Knockout phases are here

The knockout phases of the Rugby World Cup kick-off this weekend, with 8 teams still vying for the most coveted prize in all of rugby. The tournament which has surpassed a lot of peoples expectations, has thrown curve balls and upsets along the way, with the quarter finals hoping to do the same.

Here are my predictions for the rest of the tournament.

Quarter Final #1 – Wales vs Argentina

Undefeated Wales will take on the pride of South America in Argentina, while Wales haven’t lost a game in the tournament yet, they were close to losing in their first pool game against Fiji, with refereeing decisions helping out the northern hemisphere side. On the other hand, Argentina started off slowly with a loss to England before picking up their game in the later games to qualify 2nd in Pool D. South African Jaco Pieper is the referee for the contest, which should make for a free-flowing game (which is what every rugby fan is hoping for). The critical thing that might decide the game (like all knockout games) will be the goal kicking. Wales will have the upper-hand in this department, narrowly defeating the Pumas. My prediction is Wales by 9.

Quarter Final #2 – Ireland vs New Zealand

A game that all kiwis are fearing, and have low expectations for any chance of getting a result. All is not lost though, Ireland have yet to ever beat the All Blacks in a World Cup match, yet alone make it past the quarter-finals of a World Cup. The match at the the last tournament was built up similarly to this match, but the All Blacks dominated and broke the European champions hearts. A lot has changed since then, the All Blacks have been hit and miss with results, whereas Ireland are now the number 1 team in the world looking to dethrone the men from New Zealand. While I expect the result to be close, with the start of the game and the bench playing a crucial role. The All Blacks should be just (and I mean just strong enough) to win and make their way to another semi-final. All Blacks by 5.

Quarter Final #3 – England vs Fiji

England have been one of the surprises of the tournament so far, leading up to the competition, there was a shadow of doubt whether they would reach the knockout stages. Now they have, and they haven’t looked better than they have in recent years. Free flowing rugby and tough, physical defence has been at the forefront of this English resurgence. Their opponent Fiji has been the other surprise, they were very unlucky to lose their opening game of the tournament to Wales (would of been different if a few referee decisions went their way). They did stay strong in their remaining pool games, before shockingly losing to World Cup newcomers Portugal, in what has been an up and down campaign from them. The hope for Fiji in this game is that they bring their A-game, if they do, an upset could be on the cards, if not, then the English men could rack up the points to a comfortable victory. Although the game will be close, I’m expecting the experience of the English to be to much for the last pacific team in the tournament. England by 10.

Quarter Final #4 – France vs South Africa

In what could be the game of the tournament so far, the host nation France take on the reigning champions South Africa. France will be at full strength, with halfback and one of the best players in the world, Antoine Du Pont back after a broken jaw ruled him out of a couple of pool games. The French crowd will be boisterous, with the Stade de Marseille the place to be on Monday morning (NZ time). The South African’s will not be easy beats though, they are experienced in knockout rugby, with their goal kicking prowess and hard to crack defence being the keys. They haven’t been at their best this tournament though, a loss to Ireland in the pool stages, and less than inspiring wins in their others, but when it comes to knockout competitions they are one of the best to turn it on. I could easily see this game go either way, but a France win is what I’m going with (not confident though). The crowd being the difference in the contest. France by 3.

Semi Final #1 – Wales vs New Zealand

It would be hard to go past the All Blacks in this game, Wales who some thought would miss out on getting to the knockout stages of this World Cup, will be massive underdogs in this game. Wales will be strong for the first part of the game, but the pressure from the All Blacks over the entire 80 minutes, will be too much for their British counterparts. I think this will be a good game for 20 minutes, before the All Blacks stamp their authority and beat down the Welsh. All Blacks by 25.

Semi Final #2 – France vs England

A match between two of the biggest European heavyweights will be on hand for semi final number 2. France will be overwhelming favourite’s for this one, they have regularly beaten the English over their recent Six Nations encounters. England will be no easy beats though, goal kicking could be the biggest part of any chance they have in this one. The only thing the English lads have to worry about is discipline, yellow and red cards could be their downfall, and would scamper any chance they have of making yet another Rugby World Cup final. I expect the French to be too strong here, the nation will be entirely behind them and push them over the line. France by 10.

3rd vs 4th Place Playoff – Wales vs England

Let’s get this straight. I hate the idea of a 3rd vs 4th place game. Losing a Semi final can be one of the most devastating things in sport and forcing teams to play another game, when nothing is really on the line, can be difficult. That being said, England are one of those teams that will surely stand up for this one, especially with them having the next World Cup, they will want to send a clear message to their fans that this is a team they can be proud of. Wales will be not be easy to beat though, especially after a campaign that wasn’t expecting to get this far, they will be hoping to end it with one last highlight. I expect England to be too strong here, it will be close but goal kicking could just be the difference in this one. England by 6.

The Final – France vs New Zealand

A replay of the opening game of the tournament, with expectations of being one of the most entertaining finals to ever happen. The first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes of the game will be crucial, the All Blacks have been known to start games fast, but if they don’t get that part right, they could be in a bit of trouble in this one. Another part of the game which could be critical will be the weather. Yes, I said it, the weather, in the first game of the tournament France was experiencing a heat wave, which made for short stops in the middle of the game, which immensely helped the French. This isn’t likely to be the case this time by, which would favour the men in black. Goal kicking will be need to be at it’s very best for both teams, with the French having the slight upper hand in this department. I expect a close tussle between the two sides, for this result my heart says NZ but my head says France. With all this to take into considerations, I will be saying the French nation will be in happy mood after this one. With France winning by 3.