Looking into a crystal ball … who will play in the RWC Final?

Chic Rugby has been trying to predict who will play in the RWC Final. Here’s how things stand with the upcoming knock-out rounds:

Australia will play either Tonga or England in QF 1 – I’d like it to be Tonga but I think it will be England.

New Zealand will probably play France in QF 2 (unless the Argentineans lose against the Irish this weekend).

South Africa will play Wales or Fiji in QF 3 – will probably be Wales (go Fiji!).

Argentina (unless they lose against the Irish) will play Scotland or Italy (most likely Scotland?) in QF 4.

When we get to this level it’s a little harder to pick winners than it is in the pool rounds. However, based on how they’ve played to date I’m predicting that the Irishmen and the Italians will lose in their matches this weekend, leaving us with 4 Southern Hemisphere teams playing 4 Northern Hemisphere teams (gee I’d love the Tongans and the Fijians to win – make it 6 Southern Hemisphere teams in the Quarters …).

Now, should things go the way they seemingly ought, Semi-Final 2 will be played between South Africa and Argentina. If the Wallabies win against England/Tonga this will pitch us against the All Blacks in Semi-Final 1. This will mean a Southern Hemisphere Semi-Final round and a Southern Hemisphere Final.

Now, we’ve been in this place before. Many times Australia and NZ end up clashing in the Semis … the smart money seems to be on the All Blacks to keep it together this time and not bottle out as they’re wont to do. So, should they win against the Australians, they’ll play South Africa in the Final …. except I’d love it if it were Argentina :-)

And, then it’s obvious for whom one should barrack. As an Australian I will cheer for our ANZAC buddies the All Blacks over the South Africans … can’t stand the Springboks and I love Dan Carter. Easy!

Go the Wallabies (and Tonga)!