Check out our talking points from the final round of Rugby World Cup pool phase action.
Quarterfinals set
The World Cup quarterfinals have been set up much as expected, with some absolute showstoppers in store this weekend. Ireland will be looking to make it 18 in a row and reach a first ever semi-final when they face the All Blacks on Saturday, while the tournament hosts France tackle the defending world champions South Africa a day later.
Wales also face Argentina in what will be an interesting affair in the weekend opener on Saturday, while England aim for revenge over Fiji on Sunday after their loss to the Islanders in the World Cup build up.
Ireland better than we think?
Scotland were supposed to give world no 1s Ireland a run for their money but ended up being blown off the Stade de France pitch in their make-or-break Pool B clash on Saturday. In spite of some otherworldly performances from Andy Farrell’s boys so far, few outside the Emerald Isle are backing them to go all the way in France.
Should people be giving them more respect ahead of this weekend’s semi against the Kiwis?
Portugal the Brave
Portugal overcame Fiji 24-23 in a Toulouse thriller on Sunday to finish their campaign fourth in Pool C with six-points – a brilliant return. Many expected the Pacific Islanders to claim a comfortable victory but it was not to be as Os Lobos finally achieved their first World Cup win thanks to a heroic display from Patrice Lagisquet and his troops.
