re: **Official 2015 Rugby World Cup Thread | Full Final Match linked in 1st post!

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Who are the favorites?

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Australia and New Zealand

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Do Ireland or Wales have a shot?

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Yes, but it's a long one for both. Lots of injuries to key players.

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So what's the breakdown of the quarterfinal matches?

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South Africa v Wales:

After losing to Japan, SA have reverted to the basics. They have some really good players, but they don't look like world beaters. Their group being shite hasn't allowed us to get a good feeling on how good they actually are.

Wales are missing a ton of players. Dan Biggar and Gareth Davies have played really well for the backs, but they're basically it. George North hasn't turned up yet and is playing out of position due to the injuries. Alex Cuthbert is a black hole. There is no experienced fullback left in the squad. The scrum and lineouts have also been a dumpster fire (with the exception of Faletau). However, they've played really well defensively and probably have the best manager.

Prediction: Wales


New Zealand v France:

New Zealand are the best team in the world, but they haven't looked great so far and they weren't tested in their group. One has to think they've got a lot more waiting in reserve.

France have had a terrible last few years, but they played well in the group. Their group, however, was complete shite and they lost their only real test pretty comprehensively to Ireland.


Prediction: New Zealand


Ireland v Argentina:

Ireland have looked good, but they've just lost two of their best players and leaders. They were still able to take care of their only group test pretty easily against France.

Argentina are the unknown. They lost their only real test so far (to New Zealand) but they've looked great against everyone else. The popular 'dark horse'.

Prediction: Ireland

Australia v Scotland:

Australia look to be the team to beat. Comprehensively beat England and withstood massive pressure against Wales. They also have probably the best player in Folau, though he hasn't really shown up yet.

Scotland sucks and they just got two players banned (including arguably their most important in Gray). I'd be absolutely shocked if Australia don't massacre them.

Prediction: Australia