Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final dates – fixtures for England, Ireland and Wales
THE Rugby World Cup has been shaping up nicely in Paris.
Home nations and the other big rugby countries have it all to play for in France.
But they have to navigate the pool stages first, going into the final two weekends of pool action.
And this is how the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals are shaping up.
Who could Wales face?
Quarter-final 1 – October 14 (4pm) – Marseille
Wales vs Japan/Argentina
Wales have secured top spot in Pool C and as a result will face either Japan or Argentina.
The two sides face off in a winner-take-all clash after England confirmed first place in Pool D with a laboured win over Samoa.
Ireland’s potential opponents
Quarter-final 2 – October 14 (8pm) – Paris
Ireland vs New Zealand
Ireland have been brilliant all year, have won a Six Nations Grand Slam and have beaten the All Blacks in the last 12 months.
France’s win over Italy ensured that New Zealand will finish second in Pool A.
The Kiwis also have a lot of pundits writing them off after their opening-day defeat to France.
Do so at your peril.
Who could England be up against?
Quarter-final 3 – October 14 (4pm) – Marseille
England vs Fiji/Australia
This will be England‘s last-eight clash, and it is likely to be against Fiji.
Fiji beat the Red Rose at Twickenham just before the Rugby World Cup.
As Wales and Australia found out, Fiji are a very, very dangerous side.
Scotland’s uphill battle
Quarter-final 4 – October 15 (8pm) – Paris
France vs South Africa
After Ireland’s win over the Springboks in the pool stages, this is likely to be a Rugby World Cup classic.
France’s star backs Romain Ntamack and Antoine DuPont have both been injured either in the run-up or during the Rugby World Cup.
An early exit to the world champions is unthinkable for the home crowd.
Surely it couldn’t happen, could it?