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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Who Would You Prefer To Win Quarter Final? 2 views
18 September 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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It is now looking like a South Africa vs Australia epic quarter final in Wellington. Scott Donaldson looks at this from a New Zealand fan's perspective.
Australia's shock loss to Ireland has thrown their plans into turmoil. Now if the Wallabies want to win the William Webb Ellis Cup they will have to beat South Africa then most likely New Zealand and then either England or France. It is a difficult assignment. Who do most New Zealand fans want to be eliminated in the Australia vs South Africa match? Ireland showed a blueprint for beating the Wallabies, but are the green and golds a threat if the track isn't dry and if they are missing Digby Ioane, David Pocock and Stephen Moore? I would suggest that the Springboks are a bigger threat despite only just beating Wales last week. I find their style of play which strangles the opposition into submission will be more difficult to beat on those cold, damp night matches where matches are decided by goal kicking. The Steyns from South Africa will punish whoever they play from anywhere within 55 metres of their own goal line.
It is actually disappointing in some ways that the 2nd and 3rd teams in the world will play each other in one quarter final and 4th and 5th playing each other. In some ways it would be more satisfying from a New Zealand perspective if we beat our arch rivals Australia or South Africa in the final, but it looks like this will be a semi final. It is like a Grand Slam tennis event where one of the top four mens players doesn't make the semi finals. While it is exciting to have someone new upsetting our rivals, it can be more satisfying beating the nemesis.
In saying this, if it makes the Rugby World Cup easier to win, then who cares who the All Blacks have to play to win it?
I would rather face the Wallabies than the Springboks in the semi finals. I don't think it would be surprising to see the Wallabies in the final despite this loss. It is then difficult to know if England or France are a preferable final opponent? There could be two great teams, Australia and probably France making it all the way to the final. Who would you want to see in the final? I would enjoy a New Zealand vs France match like 1987. At least the French play with more flair than the England team, so at least the final would be entertaining!
rugbyworldcuptips.com
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