World Cup Quarter Finals - October 18 Preview

The World Cup Today

 

In the day's early start Ireland meet Argentina at Cardiff's Millennium stadium, in a game many a pundit are struggling to predict. Both sides enter the clash in form, having scooped notable victories last time out. Argentina triumphed over Namibia 64-19 in their last game while Ireland prevailed over fellow quarter finalists France 24-9.

A significant absentee for the men in green will be Johnny Sexton who has been ruled out of the tie because of a groin strain. In addition, Peter O'Mahony's injury and Sean O'Brien's one-week suspension for his punch on Pascal Papé in the last game against France leaves Joe Schmidt without his first-choice flankers for the tie.

Argentina in comparison are looking much more healthier when it comes to squad personnel. They will feel confident going into the tie, but  they have to maintain their defensive shape over multiple phases along with their discipline.

 

In the day's four o'clock kick-off Australia meet Scotland at Twickenham, a stadium the aussies are all too accustomed to, after ending England's World Cup dream there in the   very recent past. 

Wing Adam Ashley-Cooper will become the most capped Wallaby with 112 should he play against Scotland, while Greig Laidlaw, now the Scotland captain, kicked all their points in a 12-6 win in appalling weather conditions in Newcastle, Australia, in 2012.

 

Who to watch

 

Looking at Ireland, Jamie Heaslip has a massive role to play as the only surviving player from last week's back row and as Ireland's new captain.

For Argentina Nicolás Sánchez will have to step up in the absence of Marcelo Bosch. The top points scorer in the 2014 Rugby Championship, Sanchez has 51 points to his name so far in this Rugby World Cup, including nine penalties and a drop goal.

Over in the aussie's camp all eyes could be on flyhalf Bernard Foley to see if he can display another masterclass performance, while Ben McCalman will have a mammoth task to pick up where David Pocock left off.

 

Scotland will need talisman Greig Laidlaw to lead his team with plenty of passion and provide Finn Russell with quality service to get the ball to the likes of Tommy Seymour and Stuart Hogg to fire on all cylinders.

 

When to watch

 

Ireland vs Argentina kicks off at 1.00pm, broadcast live on ITV 1

Australia vs Scotland kicks off at 4.00pm, also broadcast live on ITV

 

Where to watch

 

For a full list of where to watch the rugby World Cup in Bath, check our guide here. 

 

World Cup meal

 

Here we have four nations who are certainly partial to a good cut of meat. So, with that in mind, here is today's World Cup menu...

 

Starter: Crock pot corned beef and cabbage (Ireland)

Main: Grilled Gaucho Steak with Chimichurri (Argentina)

Dessert: Scottish shortbread (Scotland)

To drink: Hunter Valley Semillon wine (Australia)

 

Match predictions

 

Ireland and Argentina will pull no punches and will likely go hell for leather until the first man falls. It could be a gritty affair of rugby, but an entertaining clash nonetheless. It's a UK World Cup, and for that reason Ireland will take this.

Australia line up against Scotland as the heavy favourites. The men in blue will certainly give their all, spurred on from the terraces. But Australia will prevail, will think, by at least 15 points.