So the Rugby World Cup quarter finals are decided.Some cracking games to come over the next few weeks.

Really looking forward to this weeks matches, Ireland v Wales which are the 2 most in-form teams at present.Being Irish I think we're gonna shade it by 4 points.It's such a shame that we had to meet so early.I'm very nervous of Wales. Match is on at 6 a.m. which is a right pain in the arse.Too early to go to the pub so might have to go out drinking Friday night and get locked in through the night and keep drinking until the match starts.

England v France is another close one to call. Neither team have set the pool stages alight(France especially)..... England to win by 6.

South Africa v Australia......Another close one to call.I can see Australias' back line coming to the fore and grinding out a result to win by 8

New Zealand v Argentina........Anything other than a New Zealand win would be a major shock.The will miss Dan Carter immensely,but with home advantage and their sheer physicality and skill they should have enough.It will be close enough up to half time.Kiwis leading by 8 but they will pull away in the second half to win by 18.

So that would make the semi finals

England v Ireland......Ireland to win by 12

Kiwis v Australia......Kiwis to win by 12

Ireland v Kiwis final.....My heart says Ireland but sadly New Zealand to win by 10.

Anybody else watching it and what are your predictions.

[Edited 10/3/11 10:11am]

Rugby is relatively unknown here in the States.

We have a hard enough time accepting "soccer" as a legitimate sport!

But I have to say that I really give rugby players much respect. They take a BEATING!

There's a recreational rugby league here on Long Island that I keep meaning to look up. Wouldn't mind watching a few matches.

Good to see a sports thread that isn't U.S. based for a change.

sextonseven said:

Good to see a sports thread that isn't U.S. based for a change.

Hopefully some people will post some opinions on the games.I thought some of the UK orgers might post something.It gonna be some weekend of rugby.

Quarter Finals Semi Finals Final

Ireland v Wales =17-37

France v Wales =12-20

England v France =10-32

Wales v N Zealand =15-28

S Africa v Australia =21-12

S Africa v N Zealand =24-46

N Zealand v Argentina =51-6

For me New Zealand are just to good to lose this, even without Dan Carter.But if rumors are true and Richie McCaw is also injured, then all of a sudden they start to look human.But who are we kidding the All Blacks could field four sides.

For those who don't know anything about New Zealand rugby, just take a look at the pre match haka..

I hate the rugby world cup!!!

.. because I'm addicted to it and here in Ireland I've been getting up at 4am for the last few weekends to watch 3 matches in a row. My sleep pattern is messed up.

We've been playing well but I think the only chance of a northern hemisphere team winning is if the kiwis choke - Australia and SA are beatable while NZ can really only beat themselves. Again.

funkmunki said:

Why are the greatest tries always scored against us?

How about the try from the end of the world..

mostbeautifulboy said:

Why are the greatest tries always scored against us?

How about the try from the end of the world..

Ugh...the only test I ever went to was that one.

Wales v Ireland on now. Wales score a try in the first 3 minutes.

Irish try! 10-all second half.

mynameisnotsusan said:

Irish try! 10-all second half.

great match, I feel sorry for the Irish, but Wales were the best time out there today.

France vs England now. Cant believe I'm supporting England!

The French have come to play!

Can't believe it either

France are kicking ass so far.

funkmunki said:

For those who don't know anything about New Zealand rugby, just take a look at the pre match haka..

i luv watching the haka!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the haka is H O T!!!!!

but i am hoping anyone else but the kiwi's win

^^^^^^^^^^^^

THIS IS MY FAV EVER HAKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edited 10/8/11 23:00pm]

logger said:

So the Rugby World Cup quarter finals are decided.Some cracking games to come over the next few weeks.

Really looking forward to this weeks matches, Ireland v Wales which are the 2 most in-form teams at present.Being Irish I think we're gonna shade it by 4 points.It's such a shame that we had to meet so early.I'm very nervous of Wales. Match is on at 6 a.m. which is a right pain in the arse.Too early to go to the pub so might have to go out drinking Friday night and get locked in through the night and keep drinking until the match starts.

England v France is another close one to call. Neither team have set the pool stages alight(France especially)..... England to win by 6.

0 for 2 so far

j/k - I wanted Ireland to win but Wales have been really strong and deserved it. They were both tricky to pick. France especially can always turn it on (as NZ knows too well)

2 from 2 so far, and the wheel is off the chariot and there coming home ha ha

It's still a Wales New Zealand final for me

Half time in South Africa vs Australia. Australia lead 8 - 3 they are playing well.