Wales the biggest favourite of any of the quaterfinalists imo.
However if France have some off field tension (player mutiny, coach quits, captain and vice have a punch up etc...) then France become an unstoppable force for 80 minutes.
Ireland are the last team I wanted New Zealand to face in the quarterfinals.
While on current form we must be considered favourites, I feel this is the situation most likely to cause an upset and knock us out early.
Ireland has beaten NZ two of the last three times we have played each other...
South Africa should be too strong and too experienced in this one. However if Japan can control the tempo of the game they can give themselves a real chance of providing another upset. Would be amazing for the tournament and for rugby if Japan could go deep in this tournament.
How can we forget what it's like to lose? We have lost 2 of our last 6 vs the North. Our record just looks awesome because we play Aussie and Saffas so muc
You speak of flawed arguments and then draw a comparison of your local club team and the Australian team lol.
Fair enough point about the players and resources.
So how about since Hansen is the most successful NZ coach ever (judging by win percentage) then I'll rate Cheika his equal when he is...
How about we cut a deal. I'll say Cheika is better than Hansen when his record is better than Hansen's. Sounds fair doesn't it?
Now let's compare Pocock and Carter.
Carter looked average against the minnows, but looked awesome in the big games when it counted.
Pocock looked great against the...
I think it will be Foster. Hansen said Foster has been doing a lot of the coaching. Hansen also pulled him into the press conferences at the world cup and got him fielding some questions. I figure this signals that the plan is for Foster to take over from Hansen when he steps aside. Then I'd...
For me this one.
For a start it was a more dominant performance.
Secondly we had to knock out:
France - the bogey team
South Africa - Our biggest rivals
Australia - The 2nd best team in the world.