RWC Quarter Final Preview and Tips
RWC Quarter Final Preview And Tips
We have already posted our tips for Saturday’s quarter finals, check them out here. Sunday sees another two Six Nations rivals collide with a talented but unpredictable French side taking on Wales. The hosts will take on a fearsome South African outfit who will be keen to avoid a repeat of 2015. Check out our RWC quarter final preview and free tips below…
08.15 am – Wales v France
Line Ups
Wales: Liam Williams; George North, Jonathan Davies, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis; Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones; Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi.
France: Maxime Medard; Damian Penaud, Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou, Yoann Huget; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont; Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado (captain) Rabah Slimani, Bernard Le Roux, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Wenceslas Lauret, Gregorie Alldritt, Charles Ollivon.
RWC Quarter Final Preview
This quarter final between Wales and France is a fascinating match up. The 6 Nations rivals know each-other inside out and Wales have had the upper hand in recent seasons. They have won 7 of the last 8 meetings between the teams, their sole defeat coming in Paris in 2017. Wales won by 5 points when they last met back in February (24-19). Given their recent strong record, it is no surprise that Wales are around 4/11 to win.
However, the French have a reputation for producing their very best in the knockout stages. They have reached at least the semi finals in 6 of the 8 previous Rugby World Cups. Their back three of Penaud, Huget and Medard is capable of slicing any defence open (even Wales’) and Fickou is another big danger in the centre.
Rumours of unrest in the French camp have emerged, but it was a similar story when they last reached the final. France are priced up at 11/4 and that looks about right. The 11/2 available about Fickou to score a try at anytime with Betfair looks too big though. He has already scored tries against Argentina and the USA, so he looks well worth a bet at that price.
RWC Quarter Final Preview: Gael Fickou to score a try at anytime @ 11/2 Betfair
11.15 am: Japan v South Africa
Line Ups
Japan: Yamanaka, Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Fukuoka, Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Jiwon Koo, Thompson, Moore, Leitch (c), Labuschagne, Himeno.
South Africa: Le Roux: Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk, Mtawarira, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, De Jager, Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Vermeulen.
RWC Quarter Final Preview
The Brave Blossoms have lit up this World Cup, thrilling the home fans with some scintillating rugby. They have already taken the scalps of Ireland and Scotland, but will South Africa prove a bridge too far? The Springboks certainly won’t take Japan for granted. They were shocked by them in the last World Cup, a low point for South African rugby. They have been on an upward trajectory in the past year though and they are the most physically imposing side at the Rugby World Cup.
Japan will need to stick to the same style that has served them so well thus far. That is sling it out wide to flying wingers Matsushima and Fukuoka and let their pace do the damage. However, the quick ball that they got against Scotland and Ireland may not be as freely available against a powerful South African pack. The big hope for Japan is that New Zealand beat The Springboks with flair and imagination and Jamie Joseph’s men will try to do the same.
Unfortunately though, brute force will likely prevail and a fresher South African team look hard to oppose. However, at just 1/5 they are too short to warrant a bet. Matsushima at 10/3 with Betfair to score a try at anytime is tempting though and a small bet is recommended. He has been in sensational form and the Brave Blossoms are capable of scoring a couple of tries if they produce their best.
