The Springboks take on France in the quarterfinals. Photo: @RugbyWorldCup via X.
Rugby World Cup 2023 Quarter-finals predictions: Who will advance?
Antonie Classen predicts the winners and losers from the four Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final Test matches, and it’s not who you think.
The Springboks take on France in the quarterfinals. Photo: @RugbyWorldCup via X.
The Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-finals are upon us. Eight teams remain. South Africa, France, England, Fiji, Wales, Argentina, Ireland and New Zealand are all fighting for the ultimate prize in rugby union: The William Webb Ellis trophy. But there can be only one champion.
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Claasen rues ‘unfortunate’ and ‘daft’ World Cup draw
Much criticism has been levelled at World Rugby for staging the World Cup draw three years before the tournament, all of it justified. It is folly to hold the draw for the sport’s show-piece event three years out. As we have seen in France 2023, the criticism was warranted. The lop-sided draw pitted the top five-ranked nations on one side and the rest on the other.
Like all rugby fans, Claasen is baffled by World Rugby doing the draw three years ago. “It’s unfortunate the way the draw is,” he said. “Having the world’s top five-ranked nations on one side of the draw is daft, but it is what it is. If you want to be a world champion, you have to beat everyone.”
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It means we have a situation where the top-four teams in world rugby (Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand) will play each other for a place in the semi-finals. On the other side of the draw, No 6-ranked England takes on No 8-ranked Fiji, while No 7-ranked Wales plays No 9-ranked Argentina.
Claasen’s surprise semi-final predictions: Do you agree?
France v South Africa
“I can’t call it,” said Claasen when asked about the outcome of his country of birth, South Africa, and his home and former team France. “The two sides are evenly matched,” he added, “This generation of French players have the self-belief that they are the best side in the world. My heart says ‘South Africa’ but my head says ‘France’. The fact that the Stade de France is going to be packed with home support, they are favourites.” – France.
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Ireland v New Zealand
“I feel the Irish are clear favourites. They are the form team at the tournament; they look unstoppable,” added the 38-year-old. “Ireland is a well-oiled machine. Everything is so well structured but also unpredictable.” Claasen said: “Most people are writing off the All Blacks; no one is giving them a chance but that is when they are dangerous. I think the All Blacks will pitch up, but the Irish will pinch it at the end by a couple of points.” – Ireland.
England v Fiji
“The English have been more consistent at the World Cup. Fiji have been up and down. You don’t know what to expect from them. They have played some massive games. They should have beaten Wales, but they beat Australia but then lost to Portugal. It would be good for world rugby if Fiji could get a win.” – England.
Wales v Argentina
“Argentina has not been consistent enough during this World Cup,” Claasen said. “Wales should have the edge, though, but who knows?” He added: “Argentina haven’t played any good rugby at this tournament, so they shouldn’t be favourites for this game. Logic says Wales will win this match, but one thing you can guarantee: The Pumas will be pumped for this game.” – Wales.
