While the pool stages provided us with some cracking games over the last few weeks, there is a sense that the Rugby World Cup will really get underway when the quarter-finals kick off this weekend. With Ireland vs New Zealand and France vs South Africa both on the slate, you can see why that is the case.
The quarter-finals involving those four teams have been anticipated for a couple of years now. The lopsided nature of the draw at the tournament meant it was always likely that the world's four best teams would face off at this stage of the competition, something that came to pass after the comprehensive victory the Irish had over Scotland on Saturday night.
In truth, both games seem like a flip of a coin. There is very little between any of those sides, although some believe Ireland have performed the best out of them so far in this tournament.
Clive Woodward backs Ireland to beat New Zealand
Facing the All Blacks in a Rugby World Cup is normally a very daunting prospect for any Ireland time, and while New Zealand are still a top quality side, there is real optimism that Andy Farrell's men can get the job done on this occasion.
That even extends outside of this country.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Clive Woodward shared his belief that Ireland have been the best team at the tournament so far. He also said he expects them to beat New Zealand, especially if they can replicate the performance they produced against Scotland.
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.
Everything Ireland did against Scotland was world class. Often, their rugby looks so simple and that is the highest compliment I can pay them...
This Ireland side reminds me of England in 2003 because they went to New Zealand and won ahead of the tournament and are also world No 1 and Six Nations Grand Slam champions. Bundee Aki against Jordie Barrett will be an amazing contest in midfield but I think Ireland will have too much.
One of the most impressive aspects of their game is how fast they start, which will be crucial against New Zealand — they’ll want to get double digits on the board in the first 20 minutes.
This Ireland team play quite a different brand of rugby to the England one that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, but there could be something to be said for the similarity in the resilience shown by both sides.
Andy Farrell's men have passed every test with flying colours so far at this tournament, with New Zealand set to provide perhaps their biggest one yet this weekend. Here's hoping they have enough to get the job done and finally end the team's quarter-final hoodoo.
SEE ALSO: 'If Ireland Are Going To Win A Rugby World Cup, They'll Feel Like It's Now'
