World Cup Quarter Final Previews

Saturday 6th October

Australia v England (14.00)

God loves a trier. Ask Wallabies chief John O'Neill, who is seemingly on a one-man mission to permanently destroy Anglo-Australian relations. His earth-shattering view is that the Aussies hate the Poms. Tell us something we don't know. Reading between the lines, I'd say that his comments were born from grudging respect rather than a need to offend.

However, the Wallabies just might have the ammunition to back up the mouth. Fortified by a new found tenacity in the forwards, the mixture of youth and experience is paying dividends. The performances of 21 Year-Old Fly-Half Berrick Barnes and the ever-consistent Flanker George Smith have been particularly eyecatching.

England's World Cup has been one of steady progression rather than dazzling endeavour. The poor performances against the US and South Africa are forgotten. Two tough tests in as many weeks against Samoa and Tonga seem to have ironed out any defensive shortcomings. More impressively, things have improved from an attacking perspective. What was once stale and predictable is now fresh and menacing. The return from injury of Jason Robinson will definitely enhance the potential of quite a vibrant backline

Once again, matters out of Ashton's control have conspired against him. The loss of Andrew Farrell to a calf injury is a huge blow. His strength in defence will be sorely missed. The conspiracy theorist in me can't help thinking that his omission from the squad may be down to more than injury, however, I sincerely hope this isn't the case.

Farrell deserved the chance to prove his detractors wrong. His size and tackling ability would have been perfect to repel the relentless metre-making of the likes of Mortlock and Giteau - two players with the skills to expose a weak English rearguard.

Into the side comes Mike Catt. Whilst this isn't a like-for-like replacement I feel that he is definitely the right choice to restore some stability to the Midfield area. His leadership skills will also be a huge asset.

The Forwards have once again been selected for a sustained tackling spree. Nick Easter and Lewis Moody offer some penetration from the Back-Row, but Simon Shaw, Ben Kay and Martin Corry are included for their defence. If it moves...smash it - will be their remit.

The Australians looked unstoppable for large parts of the game against Wales last month. A repeat see them win handsomely. However, this is an England side equipped with much more than brawn and predictability, a more open game from the underdogs would make things very interesting indeed.

Due A Big Game?

Lote Tuqiri - Considering the amount spent by the ARU to guarantee his services for the foreseeable future, the ex-Brisbane Bronco has looked a shadow of his former self of late. Few will forget his try against England in the 2003 Final. A return to the form of that period will make him a potential matchwinner.

New Zealand v France (20.00)
Some early-tournament jitters have denied Bernard Laporte's men the chance of an easier Semi-Final against Scotland. However, given the sheer unpredictability of the French, will they be better suited to the challenge of the All Blacks?

Or, will Gallic temperament lead - once more- to a severe case of stagefright?

As if to confuse us further, Laporte has opted for quite a measured gameplan, best demonstrated by the selection of Lionel Beauxis at Fly-Half over the capricious Frederic Michalak. The inclusion of Damien Traille at Full-Back is slightly baffling, but his kicking game and defensive strength will be huge assets in the Back Three

New Zealand swap the canter of the group stages for the all-out gallop to glory of knockout Rugby. A step up in pace made all the more difficult due to the erratic nature of their opponents. Sink or swim? Another step on the path to glory, or a repeat of 1999 heartbreak?

The All Blacks' strength in depth is quite staggering. Despite six tries in the competition so far, Winger Doug Howlett misses out altogether as Graham Henry goes for his 'A-Team' of Sivivatu and Rokocoko out wide. Dan Carter gets a start with understudy Nick Evans waiting in the wings. The Kiwis have the firepower, and an itchy trigger-finger.

Continuity is something the French have struggled with. It's quite clear that Laporte has no idea what his best team is. Although it is foolish to write them off completely, this is a French side with serious questions to answer, facing the toughest examination of spirit and ability in World Rugby.

Due A Big Game?
Fabien Pelous - One of the old guard. His selection in the starting 15 means Sebastien Chabal will see action from the bench. Big shoes to fill.

Sunday 7th October
South Africa v Fiji (14.00)
Can it really be as easy as it seems for South Africa?

If the pundits are to be believed, a place in the Final is all but assured. The general consensus is that Jake White's troops are on the 'easy' side of the draw. Things could have been a lot more difficult for the Springboks, but an uninterrupted march through the knockout stages is highly unlikely.

Few gave the Fijians a prayer against the Welsh last week. Rated as 750/1 outsiders pre-tournament, the bookmakers hardly had them pegged as World beaters. The Pacific Islanders obviously haven't read the script, and now find themselves three games away from the greatest prize of all...In theory that is.

In reality, this is where the Fijian dream ends. The loss of Fly-Half Nicky Little to a knee injury leaves them short of an International-standard goalkicker and desperately lacking cohesion in the midfield. Expect their usual brand of open, attacking Rugby, but don't expect miracles.

Maintaining focus is key for South Africa. They have the personnel to record a big win, but need to avoid opening up play too much. The Welsh opted for a sevens-style approach last weekend, and came unstuck as a result.

Of all the potential tournament winners, South Africa have been slowest come to the boil. A commanding performance on Sunday will remind the World of their intent.

Due A Big Game?
Schalk Burger - His go-forward can lay the foundations for a Springbok victory.


Argentina v Scotland (20.00)
It may have been dubbed the Pool Of Death. but for the Argentinians, qualification from Pool D at the expense of quietly fancied Ireland was a just reward for hard work. From a personal point of view, I would say it was a declaration of intent that the Rugby World should heed with caution.

Patience, strength, tenacity and gamebreakers, the Pumas are tough to play against. Defensively they are very well-drilled, and from an attacking perspective, they possess flair and innovation, and, unlike many of the big-guns, they have effectively been playing elimination Rugby from day one.

Scotland's qualification was more down to Italian unreliability in front of goal, however, I'm sure Frank Hadden would rather it were down to his meticulous preparation. Selecting a second-string side for the clash against the All Blacks was a controversial move, but Hadden was merely looking at the bigger picture. He played the system, but Lady Luck reaped the dividends as the Scottish edged out the Azzuri for second place in the Pool with an 18-16 success last Saturday evening.

Those hoping for a points-fest will be disappointed. Expect the pedestrian over the superlative. Scotland have the rumbling forwards and the radar boot of Chris Paterson, whereas the Pumas have a fantastic front-eight and the sublime combination of Pichot and Hernandez calling the shots behind the scrum.

Argentina are a team with the steely gaze of unwavering confidence. I am a believer.

Due A Big Game?
Chris Paterson - Needs to shake the inconsistency and offer a consistent threat with ball-in-hand.