We are into the quarter finals and it is guaranteed that there will be a Northern Hemisphere v Souther Hemisphere final. I think Ireland and New Zealand have been the best teams so far. However, Irelands squad looks think if they lose a key player, and New Zealand without Dan Carter is very interesting- how will they cope? South Africa are absolutely woeful and I think the Aussies have the backline talent to give them the run around and take a comfortable win. That sets up a clash with New Zealand in the Semis and with the New Zealanders having to re-shuffle with a brand new No.10, they might be there for the taking, especially if the pressure of penalty kicks gets to the new 10. Whoever gets to the final from the Norther Hemisphere, I think Australia would have the talent to beat them if they have a full squad to pick from and their best back row available. I doubt the Aussie scrum will be as bad as it was against Ireland and I'd take them to win the rematch should it occur. At 8/1 IMO you are betting on Australia to beat New Zealand. That is the keygame right there. Aus should be more around 5/1 so they look overpriced to me. Either way, I hope England can make it, though I have a horrible feeling about us against France this weekend.
I've been impressed with Wales , you've missed them out in your wee summary , I think the winner of Wales/ Ireland will get to the final,
We'll beat France Toppy. It's whether we can then beat Ireland or Wales in the semi that is the real question. You can get 11/4 that Ireland reach the final which to me is approaching a good bet. Beat Wales then you face an under performing England or a terrible French team. They have a fantastic spine with huge experience that could easily carry them into that final. I wouldn't expect them to be good enough to beat a Southern hemisphere team in that final though.
I am worried though- the French are like a dangeorusly well handicapped horse. If Harinorduquy gets into full flow tomorrow and they get any go forward up front, they will begin whizzing the ball around for fun and its not fun when that happens. We need to be very agressive in the rucks and scrums and just starve them into a defeat. If we get good ball I fancy Flood to really set Tuilagi alight.
