Check out our talking points from the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.
SA dumps hosts out
South Africa produced a heroic performance to condemn tournament hosts France to a 28-29 defeat at the Stade de France on Sunday and seal their spot in the last four. In a topsy-turvy affair, it was ultimately Jacques Nienaber’s troops that hung on for victory against a phenomenal French outfit and who will now face England in the semis.
Kiwis too good for Ireland
Despite being ranked No 1 in the world heading into the weekend, Ireland succumbed to a 24-28 defeat to New Zealand in Saint Denis on Saturday as Ian Foster’s men set up a semi-final date with Argentina. As brilliant as Andy Farrell’s men have been, having won 17-consecutive Tests ahead of the quarterfinals, they just couldn’t deliver the goods against an inspired All Blacks outfit.
Pumas, England up against it
In the weekend’s other quarterfinals, Argentina disposed of Wales 29-17 and England held off a resilient Fiji 30-24. With respective clashes against New Zealand and SA to come, one would think the South Americans and Europeans would need otherworldly performances to stay alive beyond the last four.
