Rugby world cup - quarter finals - Ireland New Zealand

So here we are... after one month, 12 teams have been eliminated. Congratulations to all, in particular to Canada, Russia, Georgia, etc... These teams have shown that rugby is progressing well in their countries. A bit more sponsors and money in the programs, a bit less snow in Russia and Canada, and we could have more surprises at the next world cup in London.

Back to the eight who qualified. The three biggest surprises were in my opinion Australia beaten by Ireland, Scotland beaten by Argentina and France beaten by Tonga.

New Zealand should easily advance after many scores in the second half... It should be interesting to see how they will patiently wait to push their locomotives, a training camp before meeting England or France and going to the final. With Dan carter out of the cup after the unbelievable training injury, watch the All Black scrum half... possibly both of them...
The loser of France - England might want to stay in New Zealand for a few weeks vacation, until they can return safely to their country...
Ireland and Wales should give us a very spirited game, northern hemisphere type of rugby. Good luck to both... Get the beer ready in all the pubs across Ireland and Wales...
As for South Africa against Australia, it should give us a potential final before its time. I will personally favor South Africa, partly with the absence of the Australian wing, partly because South Africa is on the way up, while Australia seemed on the way down, partly because... I was born in Africa!

Now if New Zealand was to meet Ireland in the final... let it be known that I did referree a friendly between their third teams three weeks ago (date is true)... see picture. I'll tell you where is the catch on the next blog...!