2023 Rugby World Cup QF Preview

As the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals approach, rugby enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating thrilling contests. England, Wales, France, and Ireland are set to face Fiji, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand, respectively. Each match presents unique challenges and opportunities, making predictions a tricky task.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals are upon us, and the stage is set for some thrilling matchups. England is set to face Fiji, Wales will take on Argentina, France hosts South Africa, and Ireland is pitted against New Zealand. As rugby enthusiasts eagerly anticipate these contests, it's time to make some predictions about which teams will secure their spot in the semi-finals.

Wales vs. Argentina

One of the key contests to watch in the Wales vs. Argentina clash will be in the back row. Unfortunately for Wales, they will be without Taulupe Faletau due to a broken arm he sustained during their victory over Georgia. This injury forces coach Warren Gatland to make some tough decisions in an area where Argentina excels.

A standout performance by Leicester openside Tommy Reffell against Georgia complicates the selection process for Gatland. Reffell was named the player of the match, showcasing his incredible form. The question is whether Gatland will trust Reffell to start at No. 7 and place the sensational captain Jac Morgan at No. 8, with Aaron Wainwright at six. While this trio is Wales' best available back row in terms of talent, it might compromise their line-out.

Christ Tshiunza of Exeter, known for his set-piece expertise, could be favored on the blindside. Alternatively, Dan Lydiate's defensive skills and line-out prowess make him a strong candidate.

Predicting the outcome of this match is challenging. It is likely to be a closely contested, low-scoring affair. Argentina is favored to scrape through to the semi-finals by a margin of fewer than seven points, but the game could just as easily swing in Wales' favor.

Ireland vs. New Zealand

In the Ireland vs. New Zealand match, a crucial contest will occur in the second row. This game presents a unique scenario as New Zealand arrives at the quarter-finals as underdogs, a rare sight indeed. However, these are the All Blacks, and they are never truly underdogs.

Ireland, a team that has been nearly flawless in all areas, will head into this match as the narrow favourites. If New Zealand aims to upset the odds, their second-row pairing, featuring Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, or Brodie Retallick, must disrupt the Irish line-out.

South Africa discovered that Ireland, despite their overall excellence, had a vulnerability in this set-piece area. To stop the Irish, a team must thwart their attack at the source. Once allowed to execute their intricate and harmonious ball play, Ireland becomes an unstoppable force.

The prediction for this match is in favor of Ireland by a margin of five points. Irish fans hope to paint Paris green and celebrate a historic victory.

England vs. Fiji

The England vs. Fiji matchup raises questions about the midfield selection. England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, faces a dilemma regarding the combination of George Ford and Owen Farrell in the backline. A late-game scenario against Samoa provided a glimpse into Borthwick's thought process, with Owen Farrell taking on the fly-half role and Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant in the center positions.

This midfield combination is seen as a practical choice, particularly from a defensive perspective, given Fiji's explosive center partnership of Josua Tuisova and Waisea Nayacalevu. These Fijian players possess a dangerous mix of speed, power, and flair, capable of causing problems for England. A solid center pairing will be crucial in countering Fiji's attacking prowess.

Despite the challenges of making this selection, it may be a pragmatic one in the face of Fiji's attacking potential. George Ford has demonstrated his capabilities as a fly-half, particularly during Farrell's absence. However, Borthwick is known for backing his instincts and making tough calls, and the final decision will be closely watched.

The prediction for this match is in favor of England, expected to grind out a win by a margin of ten points. This prediction suggests that England will focus on a structured, controlled approach to neutralize Fiji's attacking threats and secure their place in the semi-finals.

France vs. South Africa

The clash between France and South Africa is undeniably the highlight of the quarterfinals. This match, played at the Stade de France, features the reigning world champions against the tournament hosts and favourites.

The key contest in this matchup is the gain line, a crucial aspect of the game for both teams. France relies on getting their big forwards over the gain line, a fundamental tactic in the rugby world. This approach, combined with the exceptional skills of scrum-half Antoine Dupont, makes France a formidable attacking force when they have the upper hand.

However, teams have discovered success against France in the last two years by stopping them at the gain line. This has disrupted France's rhythm and prevented their fluid and harmonious ball movement. For South Africa to secure a victory, they must emulate their defensive performance against Ireland in the same stadium last month.

The prediction for this thrilling contest is in favour of France, expected to win by a narrow margin. The home support at the Stade de France is likely to play a significant role, but this match remains highly unpredictable. Betting on the outcome would be a risky venture.

As these quarter-final matchups draw near, rugby fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the clashes that will determine the final four contenders in the 2023 Rugby World

The 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals feature exciting matchups with England, Wales, France, and Ireland taking on formidable opponents. The absence of key players, strategic decisions, and the quest for a semi-final spot add to the intrigue. Predictions lean towards Argentina, Ireland, England, and a narrow French victory, but rugby's unpredictability keeps fans on the edge of their seats.