With only eight nations left going into the Quarter Finals this weekend the Rugby World Cup will really kick into gear.
Two of the four top ranked teams in World Rugby will not progress to the Semi Finals, as two of the most exciting Quarter Final games ever played will take place.
England vs Fiji:
England may have won all of their pool stage games but a clash against Fiji in the Quarter Finals will be no walk in the park.
The Fijians arrived at Twickenham in a World Cup Warm Up game and beat England at home for the first time in their history.
England have wrongs to right and Fiji have new heights to reach having never played in a Rugby World Cup semi final.
Steve Borthwick named his side to take on the Flying Fijians today: Smith; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence.
Simon Raiwalui named his Flying Fijian side for the weekend: Droasese, Habosi, Nayacalevu (capt), Tuisova, Radradra, Botitu, Lomani; Mawi, Ikanivere, Tagi, Nasilasila, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Botia, Mata.
Replacements: Matavesi, Ravai, Doge, Derenalagi, Miramira, Kuruvoli, Masi, Maqala.
France vs South Africa:
The hosts, France, and the reigning champions, South Africa, will face each other this weekend in a major clash between the second and third ranked teams in the world.
The biggest news ahead of this game is that France’s captain, Antoine Dupont, will be back in action on the weekend. After breaking his cheekbone against Namibia Dupont was a major doubt for the quarter and even the semi finals.
South Africa have picked Mani Libbok to start at scrum half against France, dropping veteran Handre Pollard for a crucial clash against the host.
Ireland vs New Zealand:
Ireland may be ranked number one in the world but they have never progressed any further than the Quarter Finals at the Rugby World Cup. To reach their first ever World Cup Semi Final the Irish will have to dispose of three time World Champions, New Zealand.
The All Blacks have not been on the best of form as of recent. However, New Zealand looked back to their best as they breezed passed Italy and Uruguay in their last two pool games.
Ireland have the upper hand on previous form as in 2022 the Irish squad beat New Zealand 2-1 in a test series in New Zealand. Johnny Sexton will be aiming to guide Ireland to their best ever World Cup performance.
Wales vs Argentina:
The Welsh had been written off before the Rugby World Cup began after a poor Six Nations. However, Wales turned up with a point to prove and made their pool stage look easy as they won all four games.
Argentina will be looking to reach their third ever Rugby World Cup semi final and continue to be one of the dark horses in the tournament.
Both sides have showed promise so far this tournament, but will have to face one of the top four ranked teams in the semi finals.
