Rugby World Cup: Quarter-finalists analysis

• The final eight sides that will make up the quarterfinals at the Rugby World Cup
• They all will be dreaming of getting their hands on the famous trophy in Paris
• It promises to be a fascinating battle to the finish line

The final eight sides that will make up the quarterfinals at the Rugby World Cup have been determined, and all will be dreaming of getting their hands on the famous trophy in Paris early next month. It promises to be a fascinating battle to the finish line, with all of the pre-tournament favourites in the betting remaining in the race to secure the World Cup. You can find out more about each of the remaining teams in the competition below.

France

Host nation France have been the long-term favourite for World Cup success this year, as they look to build on their Six Nations success in 2022. Such was the importance of the World Cup that the Six Nations earlier this year took a backseat approach.

Rugby World Cup team France. Photo/The Independent

The French topped an ultra-competitive Pool A, with their standout win coming on the opening night against New Zealand in Paris. It is no surprise that French players are rising up in the ranks of oval3.game as fantasy rugby players believe they will go further in this competition.

That win certainly put down a marker for the tournament ahead, as they landed victories in their three following Pool A matches. They ended the opening round with the best defensive record in the group, and their chances of a first-ever World Cup success will be boosted by the return to fitness of Antoine Dupont.

New Zealand

No side has been as dominant as New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup, as they will be chasing a fourth title in 2023. A response has been expected from the All Blacks after their long grip on the title was ended in the semi-finals in 2019 by England. But, they came into the World Cup this year sitting fourth in the world rankings.

The All Blacks suffered a first-ever defeat in the Pool Stage on the opening night against France, but they stormed back to form ruthlessly with big-scoring wins over Italy, Uruguay, and Namibia to seal second spot. They will need to be at their very best in the last eight, as they come up against Ireland.

Ireland

There is certainly a confidence surrounding Ireland this year that they have never previously had, as they look to build on their Grand Slam success at the Six Nations earlier this year. The Irish looked formidable throughout the opening round, recording wins against all four of their rivals in Pool B.

That included tense victories over the reigning world champions South Africa and Scotland. Ireland scored a group-high of 190 points, but questions remain surrounding their defensive play, as they allowed 46 points. Ireland have never previously reached the semi-finals, and they have been eliminated at this stage of the competition in each of the previous four editions.

South Africa

The reigning world champions were forced to settle for second spot in the Pool B standings, as they picked up four fewer points than the Irish. South Africa’s only defeat came against the Irish, but their position in the race for a place in the next round always looked strong following an 18-3 win over Scotland on the opening night.

The Springboks scored 151 points across their four matches, and they conceded a group-low of 34 points. South Africa won a third World Cup in 2019, and they have reached at least the semi-finals in all but two of their appearances at the competition. A stunning quarterfinal showdown against France awaits this weekend.

Wales

Wales Rugby World Cup. Photo/ITVX

Wales will be delighted with the performances that they have put in throughout the World Cup to this point, as they have bounced back from a disappointing period in strong style under Warren Gatland. The Welsh finished top of the Pool C standings, winning each of their four group-stage matches.

They scored an impressive 143 points and allowed just 59. The nation’s record in recent editions of the World Cup would be a reason to suggest that they could upset the odds in France, as they have reached the semi-finals in two of the previous three editions. But, they will likely come unstuck against better opposition.

Fiji

The big shock in the Rugby World Cup came in Pool C, as Fiji dumped out Australia in the opening round. The nation have already made history by reaching this point, and there will be confidence surrounding their chances of proceeding further with a showdown against England in the last eight.

Fiji sealed second in the group with a bonus-point defeat on the final matchday against Portugal. But, it was their 22-15 win over Australia on September 17 that was their pivotal result.

England

Confidence surrounding England’s chances were at an all-time low before the start of the competition, as the Red Roses suffered an embarrassing pre-tournament loss against Fiji following a disastrous campaign in the Six Nations.

However, England easily progressed through Pool D, winning all four of their matches. Across those matches, they scored 150 points, and only conceded 39. Steve Borthwick will be hoping that his side continues to progress, as they bid to go one better when losing finalists against South Africa in 2019.

Argentina

Argentina will join England in the next round of the competition, as they avoided a nervy battle for second spot in Pool D in the final round of matches after beating Japan 39-27.

The South American nation only suffered one defeat in the opening round, with that coming in the opening fixture against England in Marseille. It has been an excellent response after exiting the competition in the pool stage in 2019, and they will be looking to reach the last four for just the third time in their history when they collide with Wales in the quarterfinals.