The crucial rounds of the rugby world cup are bound to happen. After a group phase where the players of coach Jacques Nienaber destroyed most of their opponents but Ireland (victories against Scotland 18-3, Romania 76-0 and the Tonga Islands 49-18 for a single defeat against Ireland 8-13), it is high time to move on and see whether or not the Springboks have the weapons to challenge a host country that won all of their games in front of an appreciative crowd.
If France beat up all their adversaries, including the All Blacks (27-13) in the very beginning of the tournament, it is needless to say that facing the Springboks will be a tougher task for them. Winning against Uruguay (27-12), Namibia (96-0) and Italy last Friday (60-7) brought the squad much confidence and mental strength before going to the eliminatory phase where losing a single game can be synonymous with going back home.
The confrontation between the host country and the winner of the last edition of the world cup (Japan, 2019) will be expected by many rugby fans, and not only the followers of both nations. Physically intense and frightening, the teammates of Faf De Klerk and captain Siya Kolisi have been coming to France to win a second consecutive world champion title. For France, considered as one of the favorite teams to win the Webb Ellis trophy, going back home without grasping the cup would be a terrible disillusion. Next week, this decisive game will put an end to the ambitions of one of these two squads that have been dominating and arousing fear so far.
New Zealand will defy Ireland in the other quarter final the most expected of the competition. At last, England should be opposed to Fiji, unless big surprise, and Wales will be confronted to the winner of the game Japan-Argentina this Sunday.