7 October 2011
The first of the quarter finals sees Ireland taking on Wales. These two teams knows each other well and has played 116 matches against each other. Wales have won 63 of these. Ireland however has had the better of Wales in 3 of their last 5 meetings. The teams are ranked 5th and 6th respectively on the IRB rankings.
Wales finished 2nd in pool D, losing only to current World Champions, South Africa. That loss was a closely contested match that might as well have gone their way. Samoa was the only other team to really trouble them thus far in the competition. If James Hook has his kicking boots on and they can get their back line firing, the Welsh might have a chance.
Ireland has had a fairly easy run in to the play-offs of this year's world cup. The only team that could really give them problems was the Australians. Ireland played good well thought through rugby against them and made sure Australia was never in the game. Ronan O'Gara and Brian O'Driscoll made sure the Aussies didn't have a chance. the win was the biggest upset in this year's RWC.
The Irish should have the luck of the leprechaun on their side again. That and the fact that they are a in form side should put pay to the Welsh aspirations of making it to the semi-final. Look forward to some good running rugby mixed with tactical kicking and forward rumble. Invest in Guinness shares before the game and you should be alright.
Ireland to win with between 7-12.
