After Ireland, England, South Africa and then Argentina faced up to elimination last weekend in the quarter final stage, it leaves just four teams dreams of World Cup glory intact. In a quick recap of the last matches, Wales overcame Ireland 22-10 in a thrilling battle, and in Saturday's other game England had a disasterous start and were beaten 19-12 by Northern Hempishere rivals France. Sunday saw South Africa lose despite dominating Australia, with James O'Connor's 72nd minute penalty enough to give them an 11-9 win. The final game belonged to New Zealand, as the hosts brushed Argentina aside 33-10.
Onto the semi finals, then. First up is Wales vs France, in A 9-00 kick off, in Auckland. Wales have made only the one change, which sees James Hook drafted in for the injured Priestland at fly-half. Wales coach Warren Gatland appeared at ease after this change, however, stating that Hook has the 'talent and ability' to succeed. Record caps holder Stephen Jones takes the spare spot on the bench. France have named the exact side which overcame England, with only two minor changes on the bench, drafting in a replacement flanker and scrum-half. This game really could go either way, with two sides capable of playing exceptional rugby on their days. France do appear to be very in-consistent, and Wales will hope to pounce on any nervousness in the French play.
Wales @ 1.84
France @ 2.34
Draw @ 24
TB's prediction - France by more than than 7 points.
The second semi sees hosts New Zealand take on Australia, in a huge contest. Again at Eden Park, the two heavyweights will go head to head at 9-00, Sunday 16th October. In terms of team news, captain Richie McCaw has been passed fit despite not training most of the week, and coach Graham Henry has named 3 changes. Aaron Cruden starts at 10, with Dagg and Kahui also joining the back line. The All Blacks are now onto their 3rd choice fly-half, following injuries to Carter and Slade, will this cost them? Australia have an un-changed team, but full-back Kurtley Beale will be subject of a late fitness test. If this is failed, Anthony Fainga'a will start. In the last 6 meetings between these sides, New Zealand have won 4, and with home advantage they will certainly feel confident. Yet, having not won the tournament since 1987, could their be an element of nerves getting the better of them? Australia did claim a 25-20 win in their last meeting, only 2 months ago, so they will also have reasons to feel confident. It's sure to be a classic either way.
New Zealand @ 1.46
Australia @ 3.45
Draw @ 32
TB's prediction - New Zealand by less than 7 points.
These promise to be two spectacular games, which are not to be missed. Despite England's exit, Wales and France can still fly the flag for the Northern Hemisphere, whearas on the Southern side old rivals Australia and New Zealand re-ignite their battle. Where's your money?
Onto the semi finals, then. First up is Wales vs France, in A 9-00 kick off, in Auckland. Wales have made only the one change, which sees James Hook drafted in for the injured Priestland at fly-half. Wales coach Warren Gatland appeared at ease after this change, however, stating that Hook has the 'talent and ability' to succeed. Record caps holder Stephen Jones takes the spare spot on the bench. France have named the exact side which overcame England, with only two minor changes on the bench, drafting in a replacement flanker and scrum-half. This game really could go either way, with two sides capable of playing exceptional rugby on their days. France do appear to be very in-consistent, and Wales will hope to pounce on any nervousness in the French play.
Wales @ 1.84
France @ 2.34
Draw @ 24
TB's prediction - France by more than than 7 points.
The second semi sees hosts New Zealand take on Australia, in a huge contest. Again at Eden Park, the two heavyweights will go head to head at 9-00, Sunday 16th October. In terms of team news, captain Richie McCaw has been passed fit despite not training most of the week, and coach Graham Henry has named 3 changes. Aaron Cruden starts at 10, with Dagg and Kahui also joining the back line. The All Blacks are now onto their 3rd choice fly-half, following injuries to Carter and Slade, will this cost them? Australia have an un-changed team, but full-back Kurtley Beale will be subject of a late fitness test. If this is failed, Anthony Fainga'a will start. In the last 6 meetings between these sides, New Zealand have won 4, and with home advantage they will certainly feel confident. Yet, having not won the tournament since 1987, could their be an element of nerves getting the better of them? Australia did claim a 25-20 win in their last meeting, only 2 months ago, so they will also have reasons to feel confident. It's sure to be a classic either way.
New Zealand @ 1.46
Australia @ 3.45
Draw @ 32
TB's prediction - New Zealand by less than 7 points.
These promise to be two spectacular games, which are not to be missed. Despite England's exit, Wales and France can still fly the flag for the Northern Hemisphere, whearas on the Southern side old rivals Australia and New Zealand re-ignite their battle. Where's your money?
The pictures at the top show France's Dimitri Yachvili, Australia's Kurtley Beale (on the floor) along with Wales' captain Sam Warburton and New Zealand's Piri Weepu.
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