donnyboy

thats ok Luke! theyre from my other site that Im a member of. Cant say as I will get banned next time, anyway heres another of my posts, and will post some more tomorrow.

well its Quarter finals weekend and that means sudden death rugby. Im sure the intensity will be increased for sure with teams putting their very best team on the park. Im hoping to see teams contesting 100% and leaving nothing in the tank after 80 minutes. A few of the teams have key players out with injury, so the depth of the squad comes into play. How the players respond will be interesting. Some teams have had easier pool games coming into the quarters, will they be undercooked, conversely, will the teams that have played in tougher pools be overcooked and tired.

my predictions;

England vs Australia; Eng will have a hard job containing the Aussie backline. Although Larkam is still out, Mortlock returns. He adds alot more punch to the team and gives them direction as well. The flyhalf role goes to Barnes who is a good player. Englands strength is in the pack. Although they have some pace on the wings, the Aussies should have them neutralised. Wilko will need to be on song with the boot as well, as penalties may be crucial. Australia by 30.

NZ vs France; The All Blacks have had the easy pool in this competition sweeping aside the minnows. Mental preperation may be key to ensure they have the self belief to do the job. No real weaknesses that I can see.
France will be doing it tough. Having had the RWC in their backyard, only to play their "Dream Final" in a quarter final and to top it off, played in Cardiff, where the All Blacks have had good results. Their only fortune was winning the toss on wearing the darken Blue jersey and placing the All Blacks in Grey/silver. All Blacks by 20.

South Africa vs Fiji; The Boks have some injuries but have the depth to cover. They will have dominance in scrums and lineouts and have a lethal backline as well. Fiji will need to play another high octane game like they did last week to have any chance. If they are in stiffing range by the 60 min mark who knows. Tonga almost had the opportunity but the bounce of the ball was cruel. The Flyhalf Nicky Little will be missed, he was instrumental to their win against Wales. Boks by 40

Argentina vs Scotland; This game will be closer I believe. The Argentina are great at that rumbling forward play, but also have got Contenpomi in the backline who can set the game alight. Scotland can match the Pumas man for man so it could go either way. Argentina by 5

should be a great weekend
Go Joe Rokococo!