Quarter Final Predictions

Flygimp

Ok I'll put my neck on the chopping 'forum' board first...:D C'mon punters give it a slash!


QF.1 - Ireland v Wales - Result - 24 to 17 victory to Ireland.

QF.2 - Enland v France - Result - (tricky one!) 12 to 7 victory to England

QF.3 - South Africa v Australia - 25 to 20 victory to Australia

QF.4 - NZ v Argentina - 40 to 17

C'mon the weekend... I could pee meself I'm so excited!

leonidas83

Flygimp wrote: »

Ok I'll put my neck on the chopping 'forum' board first...:D C'mon punters give it a slash!


QF.1 - Ireland v Wales - Result - 24 to 17 victory to Ireland.

QF.2 - Enland v France - Result - (tricky one!) 12 to 7 victory to England.

QF.3 - South Africa v Australia - 25 to 20 victory to Australia

QF.4 - NZ v Argentina - 40 to 17

C'mon the weekend... I could pee meself I'm so excited!

1) Ireland win 32-26

2) England win 18-13

3) South africa win (i reckon this will be the closest tho) 22-20

4) NZ win 40 -17

totallegend

Wales by less than ten
England by something similar
SA by 10-15
NZ by 30-40

Pherekydes

Ireland by <5
England by 6-8
Australia by
New Zealand by 30+

Teferi

I don't think I could give a prediction of who the winner of our match will be. It's a coin toss and the winner will win by less than 5 I think. I'm quietly confident though.

France by 10, depending on which French team turns up on the day.

South Africa by 12.

New Zealand by 20.

molloyjh

It's great that 3 of the 4 are so close. Should make for exciting games. My predictions would be:

Ireland < 10
England < 10
South Africa < 5
NZ > 30

But any of the first 3 could easily go the other way. Should be a great weekend.

ArmaniJeanss

Ireland by 5.
Australia by 3 in extra time.
England by sudden death kicking competition.
Argentina by 3.

Jawgap

What's the prize for getting it right?

QF.1 - Ireland 25 (3 tries, 2 cons, 2 penalties) v Wales 23 (2 tries, 2 cons, 3 penalties)

QF.2 - Enland 19 (1 try, 1 con, 3 penalties) v France 12 (4 penalties)

QF.3 - South Africa 28 (3 tries, 2 cons, 3 penalties) v Australia 17 (1 try, 4 penalties)

QF.4 - NZ 35 (4 tries, 3 cons, 3 penalties) v Argentina 16 (1 try, 1 con, 3 penalties)

I'll also caveat that last one by saying I think the All Blacks are going to choke and not make it to the final - I'd picked the semi-final for that to happen, but with Carter gone and McCaw crocked I reckon the Pumas will never get as good a chance - I can see them winning 19 to 16 or something very close and lowish scoring:)

Fishooks12

Quarter final predictions:

France v England:

Think France are due to come together and play one good game, think this could be it, despite Lievremonts madness I think they will topple and overrated English side who struggled through the pools and don't have the same ability as France to turn on the class, especially with Johnson's refusal to start Flood despite him being head and shoulders above Wilko. It's still really tough to call given the lack of form shown by either but France should never be written off . Prediction France by 5

Wales v Ireland:

A young Welsh side than ran the Boks close will be a dangerous proposition. North, Roberts and Davies will be dangerous with ball in hand but Ireland have arguably the best defence in the competition. We also have a group of players well suited to the rigours of knock out rugby where most of the Welsh players are used to being beaten at knock-out level. Warburton will be a big threat given his ability to win ball on the ground but the thoughts of SOB eyeing up his 10 should keep him distracted. Overall I think our pack is too good and our players too experienced to lose this in what will be for many of them their last WC. Prediction Ireland by 9

Australia v South Africa

Steyn will be a huge loss but the Boks but they have the experience and the pack to get the job done nonetheless. The Aussies will need a hell of a game from Quade Cooper but if he's on form Australia will have the edge out wide. Very difficult to call but I can't see the boks giving Cooper and Co a platform to open them up out-wide. Prediction South Africa by 3-9


NZ v Argentina

It's going to be a tough day at the office for the Pumas. At best this game will be a litmus test as to how NZ operate without Carter. Should be done and dusted by 50m mark. Prediction NZ by 40

Liam90

QF.1 - Ireland v Wales - 19-14

QF.2 - England v France - 22-7

QF.3 - South Africa v Australia - 19-26

QF.4 - NZ v Argentina 43-22

BoardsMember

Ireland to win, 8 to 10 points
England to win, 4 points
SA to win, 16 points
NZ to win, 45 points

andrewdcs

Ireland 22 - 20 Wales
England 27- 35 France
SA 26 - 25 Australia
NZ 35 - 12 Argentina

Kiwi_knock

Ireland by 5-7 points, will be a low scoring match.
England by 5, another low scoring match
Australia by 3, should be a high scoring match, would not be surprised if the game was won with a last minute kick. This should be the best game of the round.
New Zealand by 25, should be a comfortable victory, NZ will not have to move out of 3rd gear.

cgpg5

Wales v Ireland
Will be a very, very tight game and should be very intriguing. Like 2009, I'd predict it could come down to a single kick! MY heart says Ireland, but unfortunately my head feels Wales will sneak it. Look forward to in particular SOB v Warburton.
Wales 22-20 Ireland

England v France
England have won the last 4 out of 5 encounters between the two sides, and are unbeaten so far in the tournament as opposed to Les Bleus who are the only quarter finalists to have lost 2 pool games. England have the form going in to this but France are France and can turn on the style and an awesome performance when least expected. This particular French team appears to be in disarray, however, and a lunatic coach doesn't help. England have been unflattering so far but showed great character in coming from behind in two tough pool games. Like 2007, they will improve as the tournament goes on and should win this with a few to spare.
England 22-10 France

New Zealand v Argentina
Argentina will be committed and determined but one can only see a New Zealand demolition job. Argentina will beat up their opponents at every opportunity and it will be a bruising encounter but New Zealand have the quality in the backs, something which Argentina don't. The loss of Dan Carter won't make a difference in this game. Could be New Zealand's penultimate game of the tournament though.
New Zealand 37-12 Argentina

Australia v South Africa
Pick of the quarter finals. Before the tournament started neither would have expected to face each other so early and either way a massive pretender to the throne will be sent packing at the weekend. Expect Australia to play a good open game of rugby, while SA will aim to beat the Aussies up front. Pocock v Brussow is huge. With SA's better quality all over the pitch I'll go for them. But just. Expect tries aplenty!
South Africa 32-28 Australia

Judgement Day

Ireland in a hard fought encounter with Irish passion and hunger to be the decisive factor. Unfortunately James Hook, Shane Byrne and Lydiate will probably be back from injury in time for the game.

England to run away with it - assuming Jonny's injury doesn't keep him out of the team, and Youngs returning to form. Hopefully Mark Cueto will be back to replace the banned Armitage.

Australia to run riot as the Boks look to be a spent force. Looking forward to some Quade Cooper antics.

New Zealand to win this easily. In the previous 13 encounters the ABs have won 12 with 1 draw. It should be an interesting game as the Argentinians are joining the Tri-Nations competition next year.

Nothing very scientific in my predictions - as usual heart over head - but it should be another great weekend.

Quint2010

1). I predict Ireland will beat Wales. We are -3 favourites which is about right. 22-19.
2). England have the indian sign over France and the french are in disarray. England to beat France by about six points. 15 (four penalties and a DG)-10
3). I feel SA have too much forward power for Australia. 24-19.
4). NZ 44 Argentina 10

MLC61

Ireland - to win easily. It will tight up to half time but Ireland will ease away from them in the second half. Irish pack to repeat their heroics and boss a distinctly average Welsh pack.

England - to win by a late score. France rally from earlier poor displays but the return of Flood brings the English back three more into the game and the English pack dominate the set pieces.

Australia - by over 10 points. South Africa are exposed out wide by some dynamic and exciting Australian back play.

New Zealand - by 20 points. I expect this to be tight up until the second half when a couple of tries in quick succession will cause the Argentinians heads to drop.

thomond2006

Ireland - I think Ireland are a better team overall.

England - England are borderline rubbish but France are in disarray. Will be an intriguing one, if France come out all guns blazing it will probably be to spite the coach.

South Africa - I think they are seriously underrated and will come good here. This will be the game of the quarters IMO.

New Zealand - Even with Saint Dan injured NZ should win comfortably here. Without Lobbe Argentina aren't the same team.

B0X

George Hook gives his opinon on the Welsh game. Supprisingly good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joqhIKBkxMY

Judgement Day

'England are borderline rubbish...' one of your best posts in a long time thomond - and I know you're not including Jonny in that statement.

scriba

Ireland - Wales: I worry with Joubert as ref at the breakdown. I hope we win, so I'm going for a close victory, 19 - 15.

England - France: I think England could take their frustrations out on a hapless and rudderless French outfit. England to score high, but France to stay in it with penalties. England 31 France 22

South Africa - Australia: SA to win by a try, 25-20

New Zealand - Argentina: NZ to put 30 or 40 up on a knackered looking Argentinian side.

tolosenc

Ireland, Englans, Bokke and NZ to come through, with only Les Blacks being in any way comfortable in the last 10 minutes.

ambid

B0X wrote: »

George Hook gives his opinon on the Welsh game. Supprisingly good!

In fairness, Hook's actually not that bad. He pisses me off at times but I think that by far the biggest problem with RTÉ coverage is McGurk. He is an incompetant anchor man as he constantly interrupts the panelists and seems to annoy them.

Daire O'Brien is also fairly poor, but at least is professional enough to allow Hook express a coherent opinion without being constantly interrupted. Hook always looks more relaxed with O'Brien. McGurk just forces him into being an absurd caricature, just because it seems to amuse McGurk.

It's a real shame as RTÉ sport coverage is normally excellent, but McGurk is dreadful.

Thanks for sharing the vid though. It is good and coherent analysis.

As for predictions:
a competant England to destroy a shambolic France;
NZ to be very comfortable against the Pumas;
Boks to beat up a struggling Aussie pack and Steyn to kick them to the semis;
...and I wish I was as confident as the rest of you on Ireland. I think it's a 50/50 call.

Flygimp

cgpg5 wrote: »

Wales v Ireland
Will be a very, very tight game and should be very intriguing. Like 2009, I'd predict it could come down to a single kick! MY heart says Ireland, but unfortunately my head feels Wales will sneak it. Look forward to in particular SOB v Warburton.
Wales 22-20 Ireland

England v France
England have won the last 4 out of 5 encounters between the two sides, and are unbeaten so far in the tournament as opposed to Les Bleus who are the only quarter finalists to have lost 2 pool games. England have the form going in to this but France are France and can turn on the style and an awesome performance when least expected. This particular French team appears to be in disarray, however, and a lunatic coach doesn't help. England have been unflattering so far but showed great character in coming from behind in two tough pool games. Like 2007, they will improve as the tournament goes on and should win this with a few to spare.
England 22-10 France

New Zealand v Argentina
Argentina will be committed and determined but one can only see a New Zealand demolition job. Argentina will beat up their opponents at every opportunity and it will be a bruising encounter but New Zealand have the quality in the backs, something which Argentina don't. The loss of Dan Carter won't make a difference in this game. Could be New Zealand's penultimate game of the tournament though.
New Zealand 37-12 Argentina

Australia v South Africa
Pick of the quarter finals. Before the tournament started neither would have expected to face each other so early and either way a massive pretender to the throne will be sent packing at the weekend. Expect Australia to play a good open game of rugby, while SA will aim to beat the Aussies up front. Pocock v Brussow is huge. With SA's better quality all over the pitch I'll go for them. But just. Expect tries aplenty!
South Africa 32-28 Australia

Good insight... I reckon the Auzy v SA and England v France games are the hardest to call... with upsets like Tonga over France... who bloody knows, all pre-match form goes out the window.

ambid

MLC61 wrote: »

Ireland - to win easily. It will tight up to half time but Ireland will ease away from them in the second half. Irish pack to repeat their heroics and boss a distinctly average Welsh pack...

thomond2006 wrote: »

Ireland - I think Ireland are a better team overall...

Oh I wish I had your faith!

Why do you guys think this? When I look at the Welsh pack I think they are awesome. They have the excellent Lions props with a backrow which is top class and balanced - if inexperienced & maybe unproven at this level. Phillips dominates many games. Their backs are flying and Hook is borderline genius (but in fairness Les Kiss is rarely beaten). Still though, they look strong to me.

So why the confidence that Ireland are better? Help me believe!

CatFromHue

ambid wrote: »

Oh I wish I had your faith!

Why do you guys think this? When I look at the Welsh pack I think they are awesome. They have the excellent Lions props with a backrow which is top class and balanced - if inexperienced & maybe unproven at this level. Phillips dominates many games. Their backs are flying and Hook is borderline genius (but in fairness Les Kiss is rarely beaten). Still though, they look strong to me.

So why the confidence that Ireland are better? Help me believe!

Healy and Ross could well be the next Lions starters so it will be interesting to see how they got on against the Welsh props both who are excellent players.

Cronin is a bit of an unknown but what we do know is that he is a dynamic ball carrier. His line out hasn't been too bad for Ireland and I'm not sure if he has had POC and DOC to throw too before which will be a big help.

I'd view POC and DOC as better players and a better unit than Charteris and Wyn Jones.

Our back row is on fire at the moment too. Lydiate, Warburton, and Faletau won't have come up against guys who are firing like Ferris, SOB, and Heaslip yet in the tournament. Heaslip was the Lions test No.8 and Ferris could well have been a test starter if it weren't have been to injury. SOB is European/Heineken player of the year (I think).

I'd view ROG/Sexton as better than Priestland and they're better kickers than Hook and Priestland too.

Roberts is a big strong ball carrier at 12 but he is the type of player Darcy usually does well against defensively. The calls for Darcy to be dropped were to do with his offensive game not his defensive game which is usually very good.

I think we've plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Kayless

I feel how I felt before the Aus game, but something deep down inside tells me Ireland will win this game. I have no doubt Wales will push us more than Aus did and might even be leading at half time but the confidence, belief, experience, game management and home crowd will lift us to another level

Ireland 21 - Wales 9
England (by a small margin)
Aus
NZ (easy win)

Guy:Incognito

Jawgap wrote: »

What's the prize for getting it right?

If you can predict all the scores paddy power will probably let you pick your odds.

[Jackass]

Ireland to beat Wales. I'm going to throw it out there and say a tight game for 70 minutes and Ireland to pull away at the end with a Tommy Bowe try. Ireland by 10.

France to raise their game and give England a fright, but England to recover and overcome Les Bleus by 7.

Australia will find their rhythm in this game and overturn the underdog tag to blitz the South Africans. Australia by 12.

New Zealand to coast without getting out of second gear, but in a high scoring game, 44 - 22 to New Zealand.

thebaz

Ireland

NZ

France

Aus

Kojak

QF.1 - Ireland 15 v Wales 17
QF.2 - England 22 v France 14
QF.3 - South Africa 16 v Australia 12
QF.4 - New Zealand 32 v Argentina 15

LeeHoffmann

I'd love to see a poll of whether folks think Ireland or Wales will win on Saturday. I'm starting to get very nervous particularly as Best's chances of playing are ''long'' and Wales are so confident atm

Fishooks12

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

I'd love to see a poll of whether folks think Ireland or Wales will win on Saturday. I'm starting to get very nervous particularly as Best's chances of playing are ''long'' and Wales are so confident atm

While Best is in terrific form I don't think he's a big a loss as O Brien Healy Ross or Ferris would have been.

You say Wales are confident atm? The Irish side are playing with a confidence that I've only seem replicated in the way Leinster went about winning this years HC

LeeHoffmann

I know the pluses on our side and I'm confident in us too but I'm a worrier and the nerves are at me!

Quint2010

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

Ireland by 5.
Australia by 3 in extra time.
England by sudden death kicking competition.
Argentina by 3.

Not sure Wilko is kicking well enough. If it came down to that my mulla would be on France..

spiralism

England v France - Logic states that with the two sides on current form, England should win this. However, this is the unpredictable French we're talking about. If i'm being perfectly honest i think this is a trap game for the English. They generally run the rule on France and will be fancying their chances after France's last two results. Meanwhile, there's been a lot of distractions going on in the English camp-I don't think the right mindset is there for this match at all. On the other hand, the French will want to prove they have the performance in them and get one over England for a change. Given that their personnel is far better as well, i got France pulling this one out. I also think that if this turns into a kicking contest, France have the edge for a change, Wilkinson is injured and could struggle while Yachvili is a great kicker, with Parra not far behind him - France 23-16

New Zealand V Argentina - Should be fairly routine for the ABs, even with Slade at 10 and McCaw apparently carrying an injury, Los Pumas are way too limited a side to get near them. NZ 49-15

South Africa v Australia - South Africa had a good run in the group but were strongly tested by the two good sides they played. Australia, our game aside, were very clinical. It's not in Eden Park (i do not trust the Australians there) I don't rate this RSA side as highly as some, especially with Steyn gone now, so i could see Australia edging a gruelling encounter. AUS 22-20

Ireland v Wales - This will go to the wire, very 50/50. Our pack has a good edge but their backs are better. We're very confident, but so are they. Couldnt really call it right now, i'll very hesitantly say that we'll edge it. Ire 17-16

LostPassword

QF.1 - Ireland 23 v Wales 12
QF.2 - England 15 v France 10
QF.3 - South Africa 22 v Australia 20
QF.4 - New Zealand 55 v Argentina 6

kevtwin

MLC61 wrote: »

Ireland - to win easily. It will tight up to half time but Ireland will ease away from them in the second half. Irish pack to repeat their heroics and boss a distinctly average Welsh pack.

England - to win by a late score. France rally from earlier poor displays but the return of Flood brings the English back three more into the game and the English pack dominate the set pieces.

Australia - by over 10 points. South Africa are exposed out wide by some dynamic and exciting Australian back play.

New Zealand - by 20 points. I expect this to be tight up until the second half when a couple of tries in quick succession will cause the Argentinians heads to drop.

Im a little surprised that you not only dont rate the Welsh pack but class it as distinctly average - a bit like a pint in a poor pub with a landlord that doesnt care.

Im going to go therefore, on the basis that the names Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones are lost on you. If this is the case, i would refer you to the Lions test when both propped against the Boks and literally tore them a new one.
Ireland have the advantage in the second row on experience alone but the two welsh locks are younger and more mobile around the park (they should be given their age).
The Welsh back row has, along with the Irish, been classed as one of the best in the tournament and didnt just compete with the Boks, they rimmed them. Broussow was dominated by Warburton and he was rated, with McCaw and Pocock, in the top three.
So, given a 4 stone advantage (your maths would tell you thats half a stone per man) a couple of world class Lions props and a very very combative back row, im not sure where youre coming from.
The Irish back row play the ball in hand, going forward and the Welsh back rows real strength is on the floor, in the breakdown where they bettered the world champions.

youre either mad, or dont know your rugby.

Im Welsh, and i cant call it, but one thing i can say is that to call the Welsh pack average is very strange, and i might pop on here at half time saturday to see if youve changed your mind.

Another thing, where you talk about Ireland pulling away in the second half...........England x 2, Argentina, South Africa, Samoa, Namibia and Fiji are seven consecutive games where Wales scored more second half points than their opponents. You might well win fella, but as for pulling away as you allude to, would certainly be against all the form books. All Wales fans believe that it is the second half that gives us our best chance of victory, but you must know better.

LeeHoffmann

both propped against the Boks and literally tore them a new one.

:eek: that must have hurt

couerdelion

Wales vs Ireland: Too close to call. After a poor six nations and less than satisfactory warm-up to the world cup have the Irish been playing above themselves and are due to fall back to their level or were the warm-up games just a bad experience. I believe Wales have the edge in the front 5 but Ireland have the best group of back row players in the world at the moment. The backs are closely matched and this could go any ones way. Heart says Ireland but head says Wales 18-12.

England vs France: Too teams who have been poor so far with englands back line only firing against the lesser nations. I think the French are in disarray though and the players do not appear to want to play for their country. England to win 33-8 after a close first half.

SA vs Aus. Another close game but mentally the Australians have the advantage after 2 Tri nations victories this year. A tight match will end with a couple of Aus tries as SA tire. Aus to win 26-9

NZ vs Arg: I can see the Argies pushing the all blacks for the first 60 mins of this match until they tire and NZ score late tries. NZ to win 36-12.

Digifriendly

couerdelion wrote: »

Wales vs Ireland: Too close to call. After a poor six nations and less than satisfactory warm-up to the world cup have the Irish been playing above themselves and are due to fall back to their level or were the warm-up games just a bad experience. I believe Wales have the edge in the front 5 but Ireland have the best group of back row players in the world at the moment. The backs are closely matched and this could go any ones way. Heart says Ireland but head says Wales 18-12.

England vs France: Too teams who have been poor so far with englands back line only firing against the lesser nations. I think the French are in disarray though and the players do not appear to want to play for their country. England to win 33-8 after a close first half.

SA vs Aus. Another close game but mentally the Australians have the advantage after 2 Tri nations victories this year. A tight match will end with a couple of Aus tries as SA tire. Aus to win 26-9

NZ vs Arg: I can see the Argies pushing the all blacks for the first 60 mins of this match until they tire and NZ score late tries. NZ to win 36-12.

Don't disagree with Ireland vs Wales or NZ vs Argentina predictions but I think the England vs France game will be a lot closer as France will surely hit some decent form though I take England to just edge through. Your SA vs Australia prediction IMHO is someway off the mark. Ausralia were out muscled by Ireland up front and I expect they will struggle to win decent ball against the Boks. They have a thrilling back line but need go forward ball which I don't think they'll get enough of. So its the Saffers for me but not by much.

Dangerous Man

Ireland v Wales: Ireland to win by 10

Australia v South Africa: South Africa to win by 7

New Zealand v Argentina: New Zealand to win by 22

France v England: England to win by 12

Cypher_sounds

QF.1 - Ireland 24-12 Wales

QF.2 - England 28-17 France

QF.3 - South Africa 18-14 Australia

QF.4 - NZ 46-10 Argentina

profitius

QF.1 - Ireland 19 - 11 Wales

QF.2 - Enland 15 - 9 France

QF.3 - South Africa 24 - 25 Australia

QF.4 - NZ 40 - 13 Argentina

prettyboy81

Ireland 23 Wales 15

England 32 France 23

S Africa 23 Aus 34

All Blacks 36 Argentina 11

Come on Ireland, let's believe!!!!!

Reesy

QF.1 - Ireland 15 v Wales 22
Ireland to shade the first half, Wales to win the second half comfortably.
(OK, I'm Welsh, but I think our youth & fitness will win out over your experience in the 3rd & for those positions not substituted, 4th quarter)

QF.2 - England 19 v France 14
England will pull it together for the big game like they always do (unless of course, the other French team turns up. They were so woeful against Tonga...)

QF.3 - South Africa 17 v Australia 13
Really, I don't know about this one.

QF.4 - New Zealand 34 v Argentina 12
Comfortable for the kiwis


QF1: I haven't looked forward to a rugby match as much for ages & ages! May the best team win. Cymru am byth.

B0X

Reesy wrote: »

OK, I'm Welsh

Go back to boards.co.uk you communist! :pac:

petebricquette

Ireland v Wales: 20-17 (I reckon that the kicking will be the difference and hopefully our ridiculous defence can put the hurt on some of the Welsh youngsters. Either Seánie or Heaslip will score a try)

England v France: 19-24 (The French still have some semblance of a game in them and if they're firing well they could do the job. Not by much though!)

SA v Aus: 20-15 (This is more wishful, long-term thinking that if Ireland were to get to the final that I'd much prefer to play the Saffers than Oz again.)

NZ v Arg: 30-12 (NZ will run away with it in the second half after a highly attritional, forwards-based first half. Then slip up against, hopefully, the Saffers in the semis.)

csm

QF1 Wales by 2. It pains me to say it but I think Wales will sneak this one. We've had a 50/50 record against them over the last while but Wales' performances have been a big step up for them. While watching Wales vs South Africa I thought that whichever one we'd end up playing we were in trouble. Best playing is crucial. If he does then I give us more of a chance.

QF2 England by 2. The French will lift themselves for this one but I still expect England to impose their gameplan on them. They've had the best of it the last few years and I see nothing to change that, except the usual 'which French team will show up' caveat.

QF3 Australia by 7. They'll bring the intensity they were missing for the Irish game to this one. Along with getting some of their stars back they should have enough, although a lot depends on how JOC gets on with the boot.

QF4 New Zealand by 20, they just have too much for Argentina.

I really really hope I'm wrong about the Wales game.

tolosenc

Ireland by 2. O'Brien with the winning drop goal.

Leslie91

It had better be Ireland, England, Oz and NZ cos that's the accum I've just done, paying about 6/1.