The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals see eight teams and eight games remaining. That means that we have three fantastic weekends of action still to come. The first two will be played on the 14th of October and the second pair on the 15th. Stade de Marseille will host two, as with the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Seeing the smaller countries in the pool stages is always fun, but this is when it gets serious. At this point, three wins for one of the remaining teams separate them from lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. The stakes have never been higher as the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals get underway.
What Nations have Qualified Quarter-Finals?
After some thrilling action in the pool stages, we’ve reached the tournament’s quarter-final stages, and eight nations are still in the mix. This weekend sees four massive clashes as the final eight look to book their spots in the semi-finals.
Wales vs Argentina
Wales arrived in France with little expectation of making an impact, but they are now 80 minutes away from booking another Rugby World Cup semi-final spot.
They face Argentina in what should be a close match-up – the Pumas stuttered in their opening pool match against England but responded with three comfortable wins to seal their spot in the quarter-finals.
Ireland vs New Zealand
Saturday evening sees Ireland, the number one team in the world, taking on New Zealand in what should be a thriller.
Ireland have been impressive so far, winning all four of their pool matches, including wins over South Africa and Scotland, but as three-times World Cup winners, the All Blacks can never be written off.
On current form, Ireland are the side to beat, but they have never made it past the quarter-final stages of the World Cup before.
England vs Fiji
Like Wales, England headed into the tournament with low expectations, but they topped Pool D to seal a quarter-final against Fiji.
These two sides met in a pre-tournament friendly at Twickenham in which Fiji recorded their first-ever victory over England, and they will fancy their chances of pulling off another shock here.
France vs South Africa
The host nation France take on the reigning World Cup holders South Africa at the Stade de France on Sunday evening in what has been touted as the match of the quarter-finals.
The French topped Pool A with a perfect four wins from four games, including a statement win over New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match, and they are boosted by the return of the talismanic Antoine Dupont.
Although the Springboks lost to Ireland in Pool B en route to finishing runners-up, the match was one they should have won, and many have an inkling that South Africa are yet to hit top form in the tournament – will that come on Sunday in Paris?
Player Overview
All eyes will be on Antoine Dupont on Sunday as he takes the field for France following his recovery from a fractured cheekbone against Namibia earlier in the tournament.
Dupont, widely-regarded as one of the top players in world, will hope to lead Les Bleus to victory over the Springboks in what will undoubtedly be a bruising encounter.
Ireland will be hoping for a massive performance from Bundee Aki when he faces his homeland on Saturday.
The New Zealand-born Aki has been outstanding for the Irish so far in the tournament, and he will be aiming to help his adopted home reach the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup for the very first time.
Interesting Things to Bet on During the Quarter-Finals
There is so much more at stake during the quarter finals. The winner of each match progresses, and the loser goes home – it is as simple as that. Punters will now be able to have a bet on which team qualifies in each of the four quarter-final matches.
Try scorers will be a popular market as the top teams go head to head, and prices tend to be slightly more generous as the tournament progresses. It’s an excellent bet for those who put the study in, watching games and pouring over stats. Find a player you like who is not a regular try scorer, and you will get a hefty price for your efforts.
Will the favourite win each quarter-final, or can an underdog have a say? Handicaps are a great bet during the quarter-finals to help to level the playing field. Get a bigger price on a favourite to win or get a head start for an underdog. Both are worth considering for those looking for a bet.
Tips for Betting on the Quarter-Finals
The excitement ramps up as we reach the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup – will the favourites win each quarter-final, or will there be some shocks?
Wales against Argentina looks like a coin toss, with Argentina capable of edging out Wales if they play to their full capability.
But as they showed against England, the Pumas can on occasion put in a shocker, so a Wales side that are on a roll will fancy their chances of booking a semi-final place.
On the back of a 17-match unbeaten run, Ireland are the form side in world rugby, and they also boast an excellent record over the All Blacks in recent times.
The All Blacks don’t look as strong as in previous years, but they will fancy themselves as underdogs in this clash and can take heart from South Africa’s performance against the Irish – take the All Blacks to edge what should be a cracker.
England’s clash with Fiji will no doubt attract some punters looking for there to be a shock, but Fiji struggle for consistency, and a professional England side should have their measure.
While France vs South Africa looks like a coin toss – all the pressure will be on Les Bleus, however – and if the Springboks are firing on all cylinders, they have the class to end France’s dream and seal their place in the last four.
Where to Bet on the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals
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