RWC Quarter-Finals Update – Starting Lineup Revealed
The intensification of the Rugby World Cup comes this weekend with teams in different conditions. This weekend's matches mark the quarterfinal stage of the competition. The teams in the quarter-finals have announced their starting line-ups for the upcoming matches. Take a look at all the changes made to the starting line-ups of the last eight teams.
England Vs Australia RWC Quarter-Finals
The exhilarating quarterfinal clash between Australia and England will take place on October 15, 2022 at the famed Parc des Princes in Paris. In the global scheme of things, England has the edge - a No. 4 ranking compared to Australia's No. 7 - but there is nothing top-seeded about the European nation's form. This match promises to be an enthralling encounter full of thrills and spills.
A strong team is emerging from England, with key contributors such as Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Jonny May at the forefront. These players are amazing and have played such a key role in the team's recent rise. Meanwhile, England's Rugby Football Union board made a great decision in hiring Eddie Jones. He has brought an impressive fresh outlook and has introduced some excellent new strategies.
At the same time, the team from Down Under is steeped in rugby tradition. The Wallabies are a skilled team, captained by Michael Hooper and featuring outstanding players such as James O'Connor and Samu Kerevi. With obvious determination, they are poised to surprise England and pull off a stunning upset in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup.
Wales vs New Zealand RWC Quarter-Finals
Wales face a monumental task when they take on New Zealand in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday. New Zealand are not only the preeminent power in the sport, but they also carry the mantle of reigning champions, having won the last two World Cups. It is a star-studded team that Wales will have to contend with - and the biggest problem for Wales may be the All Blacks' star-studded backline. If it is not Barrett, it is Savea who can cut through any defense. If it is not Barrett or Savea, it is Ihaia West or Damian McKenzie.
Despite this obstacle, Wales has been a reliable performer on the world rugby stage and currently sits in fifth place. They also have some very talented players such as Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and George North and they will be looking to upset the All Blacks.
Both teams are expected to go all out in their next quarter-final clash to keep their semi-final hopes alive. On the one hand, the Welsh can look to their recent past for an example of how to do it: the famous victory they secured over New Zealand in 2019. On the other hand, the All Blacks will be the ones focusing on how not to let a team they should easily beat do the kinds of things that should lead to the kinds of results in a match that should easily go in their favor. Rugby fans around the world are looking to this weekend's game as the one that promises the most intensity.
France vs Italy RWC Quarter-Finals
The Rugby World Cup has a winner's circle that's long on French form. With an emphasis on style and the familiar backdrop of the Stade de France, Les Bleus have taken the international game and put their own stamp on it. Under head coach Fabien Galthié, they've not only returned to the World Cup stage, they've got a nose for the final and - if they can get past the cautious qualifying round - a penchant for bringing home the trophy.
At the same time, Italy has been working to improve its performances and rise in the ratings. The arrival of former Canadian coach Franco Smith has brought a fresh perspective to their performance. Under his leadership, the team seems to be showing some signs of life. The offense hasn't stalled, but instead seems to be showing some fresh, unexpected moves. Players like Sergio Parisse, Matteo Minozzi, and Jake Polledri seem to be leading this revitalized unit on Sunday against Italy.
Even though the odds are against them, Italy can still spring a surprise and upset the French team. This match promises to be an exciting encounter between two talented teams, both with their sights set on reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 Rugby World Cup.
Canada vs USA RWC Quarter-Finals
Canada and the USA have had a fierce rugby enmity for many years, as evidenced by their historical record. In 61 matches, Canada has won an impressive 38 times, while the USA has only 22 victories. One game has ended in a draw. The two teams have faced each other so often that their match list reads like a love-hate relationship - perfect fodder for a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal.
Despite the fact that neither team has made much of an impact on the international rugby scene in recent times, they have been working in the shadows to improve their lot. Each is hoping that the 2022 Rugby World Cup will be a venue where they can strut their stuff and test themselves against rugby's upper crust.It should be said that the two teams are not fighting over the same turf. One is based in Asia, the other in Africa.
