In a twist of fate at the Rugby World Cup 2023, Sir Clive Woodward, the legendary former England coach, has seen his quarter-final predictions go awry.
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As the pool stages concluded, France and New Zealand emerged triumphant from Pool A, while Ireland and South Africa secured their spots from Pool B. Wales and Fiji advanced from Pool C, with England and Argentina claiming the top spots in Pool D.
Sir Clive confidently shared his forecasts for the quarter-finals on Mail Online, but the 2003 World Cup-winning coach has been left red-faced, with three of his four predictions proving disastrously wrong!
Wales v Argentina
Woodward said: "Warren Gatland has done an amazing job to take Wales from where they were in the Six Nations to the quarter-finals. To top a pool at any World Cup is an impressive feat and Wales have done it with 19 points from a possible 20."
He added: "he Pumas hadn’t been at their best in France and although they were much more like themselves against Japan yesterday, Wales won’t be afraid."
Prediction: Wales win
Result: Argentina win
Warren Gatland, Head Coach of Wales is interviewed during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Media Launch at County Hall, Lambeth, London on Monday 23rd January 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Ireland v New Zealand
He said: "Ireland are playing on a different level to every other team at this World Cup and the only side close to them is France.
"I can’t see New Zealand beating Ireland if Andy Farrell’s side reproduce the sort of performance they delivered against Scotland. What a job Farrell has done. He is clearly a wonderful coach but has also put a great team around him in Paul O’Connell, Simon Easterby and Mike Catt."
Prediction: Ireland win
Result: New Zealand win
Jonathan Sexton, Captain of Ireland looks dejected during the Guinness Six Nations Match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 23. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
France v South Africa
He wrote: "I think South Africa are a better team than when they won the last World Cup. They have an amazing side but face a big call at No 10 for the France game.
"If I was coaching the Springboks, I’d continue with Manie Libbok in place of Handre Pollard.
"Libbok kicked poorly against Ireland and had an off day but he has so much to offer in attack. In big World Cup knockout games, the sort of creativity he brings can make a big difference but it still might not be enough to down France."
Prediction:France win
Result: South Africa
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
England vs Fiji
Woodward said: "England have to tighten up defensively. They looked so vulnerable against Samoa and ran out of numbers very quickly. With a bit more luck, Samoa could have scored three further tries.
"I’ve constantly talked about England playing with pace but that doesn’t just apply to attack. It’s defence, too. With a neutral hat on, I hope Fiji don’t get too tactical and try to mirror England’s kicking game. If they run the ball, they’ll cause problems."
Prediction: England win
Result: England win
Ben Youngs of England, Marcus Smith of England and Owen Farrell, Captian of England sing the national anthem ahead of the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
