Would another quarter-final exit condemn what went before to the annals, just like the Wales defeat did the win over Australia?
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With 57 test caps under the belt at only 29 years old, he has another World Cup left in him.
Bryan Habana is close to breaking Jonah Lomu’s record. They will arrive at their quarterfinal against Wales much fresher than their opponents.
Japan became the first team in World Cup history to be eliminated with three group-stage wins as they finished third in Pool B, having followed up a sensational opening victory over South Africa with further triumphs against Samoa and the United States.
The team were given a rousing reception from the crowd, a reminder that they are supported well beyond Twickenham and other traditional hotspots, even if the north-west is Rugby League territory – on a night when the other code’s grand final was taking place across town at Old Trafford.
A win for the Springboks will set them up nicely to emulate their 2007 crown.
Can France coach Philippe Saint-Andre master a shock win? For the U.S. to succeed, they need to adopt a more professional approach in all aspects of the game.
“It’s always sad when you leave a team that you love”, he said. Yes, Samoa had one of their inspired days at Newcastle last Saturday, but Scotland’s defence creaked badly on occasions and Australia will crucify them if that happens again.
Nevertheless, there is a strong undercurrent in the rugby ether that France can cause the New Zealanders problems like nobody else.
Prediction: This will be a fiercely contested battle between two giants of rugby. Pessimistic Irish fans could be forgiven for harking back to 2011, when they spent all their bullets in a heroic pool play victory against the Wallabies, then failed to show up for their quarter-final against Wales in Wellington. And it may be that New Zealand have been helped by the fact that for once people are criticising and doubting them.
Flanker O’Brien had a two-week suspension halved due to his remorse after a lengthy disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, further denting Ireland’s pack after injuries to Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony.
Meanwhile, Argentina will surely be licking their lips at the prospect of facing an injury-ravaged side at the Millennium Stadium. Greig Laidlaw leads the tournament in points with 60.
Despite falling to their fourth defeat, the U.S. were no pushovers and ended their own campaign with a spirited performance, as tries from Takudzwa Ngwenya and Chris Wyles kept them in the contest throughout. No matter how hard they may have worked on sharpening in the last 10 minutes of the opposed training sessions that have masqueraded as Pool games, they may be a bit rusty after such a low key passage to the play-offs.
As for the Pumas, their uninhibited play will be a real strength, but it’s unlikely to be enough against that famous Gaelic spirit. Players confident in the tactical approach.
Gosper said there were commercial realities to come into play, but “our intention is to gain as much competition between Tier One and Tier Two as we can”. They are big underdogs which they always thrive on.
As for Scotland, they have achieved what their supporters dared to dream they would in such an intimidatingly physical group.
Japan had also conceded combined scores of 184, 210, 163, 140 and 252 at the past five World Cups.
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The picture for Australia v Scotland is even more dramatic, with category A tickets being flogged on Viagogo for £159 plus fees – compared to their face value of £250. Moreover, he must select substitutes who can make an impact when they come on, help lift the tempo and finish off the match with a flourish.
