Among the quarter-finals, two matches are eagerly awaited because they are worthy of a semi-final or a final: Ireland-New Zealand, Saturday, and France-South Africa, Sunday.
After a week of recovery, it’s time for the quarter-finals on Saturday October 14 and Sunday October 15. Two of these matches already have the feel of the last four. Ireland, very impressive since the start of the World Cup, seems to be able to defeat the New Zealanders, who have only lost once at quarter-final level (in 2007) in ten editions. Another brand poster: France-South Africa. The French, who have only gained strength since the start of the World Cup, will have to offer perfect rugby to overcome the triple world champions and title holders.
Argentina-Wales, Saturday October 14, at 5 p.m. on France 2
The Argentines and Welsh will open the quarter-final weekend. Thanks to their four victories in as many matches, Wales finished first in their group, which allows them to meet the second in Group D, in this case Argentina. In 21 official confrontations, the Welsh have won 14 times (six victories for Argentina, one draw). Last match to date for the two nations, last November, with a new victory for the XV du Poireau (20-13).
The Argentines won their ticket thanks to their victory over Japan, at the end of a crazy match from start to finish, against the Japanese who were a little too messy in the second half (39-27). The Pumas thus return to the quarter-finals after falling at the foot of the final phase four years ago.
Ireland-New Zealand, Saturday October 14, at 9 p.m. on TF1
Since the start of the competition, Ireland has shown and demonstrated, if it was still necessary, its superiority. After an easy final group match against Scotland (36-14), Saturday October 7, the XV du Trèfle secured first place in their group and consequently a high-flying quarter-final against New Zealand, second in his group.
The victory against South Africa speaks in favor of the Irish world number 1, against the All Blacks who were beaten from the start by the Blues even though they had never suffered a defeat in the group stage. ‘a World Cup. The poster promises to be enticing.
England-Fiji, Sunday October 15, at 5 p.m. on M6
Not necessarily the most anticipated, England won their four matches (Argentina, Japan, Samoa and Chile) and are full of confidence before qualifying for an affordable quarter against Fiji. The XV de la Rose crosses paths with players from the Pacific who showed good things during their first three matches of the tournament, shaking Wales (26-32) as well as beating Australia (22- 15) and Georgia (17-12).
The latter ended on a less encouraging note, losing to Portugal on Sunday (23-24), which had never yet won a World Cup match. Distrust all the same for the English, who were beaten by the Fijians in August during a friendly match (30-22).
France-South Africa, Sunday October 15, at 9 p.m. on TF1
First in its group (A), the XV of France will face South Africa, second in its group (B). A quarter-final which will undoubtedly be explosive between the host country and the reigning world champions. Will France manage to ward off fate in the face of what has all the makings of a black beast? In 45 confrontations, mostly test matches, the Springboks have been victorious 27 times (12 wins for the Blues, six draws).
The two nations have only faced each other once in the World Cup, in the semi-finals of the 1995 edition, the year of the South Africans’ first coronation. But the French have reason to remain hopeful. Their last duel, at the Vélodrome de Marseille in November 2022, ended with a victory (30-26). However, uncertainty still dominates on the French side: will Antoine Dupont make his return to the competition for the quarterfinals? The scrum half will be scheduled for Monday, the day of his visit prior to a full return.