South Africa vs Australia

The knock out stages have begun in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Here are some teams tackling each other this week:

Rugby World Cup 2011: quarter-final guide



Ireland v Wales
Saturday 6am



There will be exhilaration in the Wellington air (and preferably no rain) at the prospect of these Celtic rivals mixing it on neutral soil, a thought fuelled by invigorating performances in the pool stages. Ireland, with a resurgent scrum and Sean O'Brien in clattering form, have to subdue Wales’s exuberant attack. Wales to win.


England v France
Saturday, 8.30am



Even though this is no longer the savagely-contested, top-of-the-European bill showdown that it once was, there is every likelihood that it will again generate sparks in Auckland. France have been truly awful while England are still searching for form, but England’s ability to come through tight matches will see them progress.




South Africa v Australia
Sunday 6am



Last one standing wins? The two southern superpowers are feeling the pace after a long season and both squads have succumbed to injury. The Wallabies appear to be the more affected with their wing Drew Mitchell the latest casualty on Saturday. If, however, Australia can get a toehold up front in Wellington, they will prevail.




New Zealand v Argentina
Sunday 8.30am



It is impossible to see anything other than an All Black victory in Auckland. Even if the Pumas were at full strength they would struggle to master New Zealand, but without No 8 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe and fly-half Juan Martín Hernández they are under-clubbed, even against a Dan Carter-less New Zealand.


Good luck to all the teams, especially obviously SOUTH AFRICA!!!