Following 40 matches spanning five weeks, the pool stage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup has drawn to a close, and the quarter-final matchups have been determined.
In Pool A, France and New Zealand secured their berths, while Pool B saw Ireland and South Africa emerge as qualifiers. Pool C featured Wales and Fiji as the advancing teams, and in Pool D, England and Argentina earned their places in the quarter-finals.
Sir Clive Woodward, the renowned coach of the England rugby team, shares his predictions for all four upcoming matches on Mail Online.
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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
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
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
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.
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.
"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
