2023 Rugby World Cup - Quarterfinals Preview
Wales 🏴 vs Argentina 🇦🇷
In their most recent match (in 2022), Wales won a close match at 20-13. The year before that, Argentina beat them 33-11 and they had a 20-20 draw. Their history is littered with being roughly equal. So what does that mean for THIS year? GOOD QUESTION.
I'm going to give Wales the benefit of the doubt here since they're playing more of a "home"-ish game. Expect it to be low-scoring if they do win. If the point total goes over 40, expect Argentina to take this one.
Ireland 🇮🇪 vs New Zealand 🇳🇿
This may be the biggest match we have until the final. New Zealand has played very well outside of their first match (loss to France). Ireland has been putting the hurt on pretty much everyone as well. Historically, these two have played a ton of matches with NZ dominating much of the early years. However, since 2016, that has changed. Ireland has two games up on them. Last year, they played three games with Ireland taking home two of those and they were played in New Zealand.
I think Ireland should win this match as they've been more consistent this World Cup, but it should be a close match. Expect something like 28-24 for Ireland.
England 🏴 vs Fiji 🇫🇯
The Fijians nearly lost their way last week, losing to Portugal but gaining that all-important bonus point to thrust themselves into the knockout round. Fiji has never beaten England in rugby, though the last time they played was in 2016. England has been steady throughout the pool stage.
England should win this with points to spare. I wouldn't be surprised to see a total blowout with England in the 50s and Fiji still in the low teens.
France 🇫🇷 vs South Africa 🇿🇦
Hey look, another huge match! France being the home squad and desperate to prove they are world beaters puts a lot of added pressure on them, while South Africa is the reigning champion looking to get back at Ireland for a close loss in the pools. While France has always been close (and even won the last match against South Africa), they have been hard up to actually win these matches. Since 2010, France has only won once (last year). Can they keep that magic going?
No matter who wins, I expect this to be a one-score game. France has the talent to compete, but I'm not sure they have the tactics and toughness to match South Africa.
Semifinals Prediction
Ireland 🇮🇪 vs Wales 🏴
England 🏴 vs South Africa 🇿🇦
