Quick Tap: Wales 13 - 16 South Africa Takeaways

A day after England crusaded through the All Blacks, we witnessed a much tenser affair as Wales took on South Africa. The game was billed to be an arm wrestle between two similar teams, and so it proved from the outset. A game dominated by kicks (73 in all) and physical defence, where each team was looking to prey off the opponent's mistakes. In the end, it came down to a single two minute period of play, to just about put the Springboks into the final. So how did that come about, here are the takeaways from South Africa's victory.

South Africa claimed a hard earned victory, de Allende scored their only try of the game in a
wonderful solo effort.

Quick Tap: England 19-7 New Zealand Takeaways

I honestly didn't see this result coming. I had an inkling that England might pull off something, but I didn't expect it to be that convincing. As, arguably, the two best teams in the tournament met in the semi-finals it was always going to be a monumental game. Right from the start you could tell England were up for this, from the anthem, to the response to the Haka (which if England get fined for is a total travesty), and into the opening moments of the game. England are known for fast starts, this was another level, and they never let up till the final whistle. But what were the takeaways from the game, where was it won and lost?

England set the tone early, with their response to the All Black's Haka. It will be remembered along with
the victory for a long time.

Wales v South Africa Preview

Semi-finals are tough, knowing that if you win you've got a chance for glory, lose and you're playing in a game which is pointless and painful. We've covered New Zealand v England (read that here), now it's time for the other side of the draw. Wales and South Africa meet in the knockout stages for the second consecutive World Cup. Last time South Africa stole victory against an injured ravaged Welsh side with a last-minute try. Wales have not lost to the Springboks since that fateful day at Twickenham, with four consecutive victories against various forms of the green shirted giants. But friendly games in November don't matter for much when it comes to the added pressure of knockout rugby, so what are the talking points before Sunday's do or die game?

Du Preez's late try in the corner knocked Wales out last time these two met in a World Cup.

England v New Zealand Preview

It's semi-final time, and the final four can sleep knowing they will make it to the last weekend in Japan. Doesn't mean they will be able to sleep as the pressure mounts further, 80 minutes away from the glory of a World Cup final can keep a man up at night. First up, on Saturday, is the current champions versus the home of the sport. Neither team had fully demonstrated their ability in the groups, but both utterly blew away their opponents in the quarters. This game promises to be full of blood, thunder, and no smaller amount of skill too. So what are the key points to consider ahead of kick-off?

Last time the two met England were robbed of the victory but a contenious offside decision. A moment
like that could swing the semi-final too.

The State of Play

Japan has been eventful, hasn't it? The pool stages were extraordinary, filled with dozens of memorable moments, a couple of amazing victories, and its fair share of controversy. For me personally, this has been the best World Cup I've watched in my lifetime, from the attitude of the host nation to the moments of ridiculous skill, to the performances of the likes of Uruguay, Japan, and the Tongans.

It's been a historic World Cup from every angle, from the hosts to the number of red cards, to the weather, and much more besides. To that end, it seems highly appropriate that all four of the quarter-final match-ups have plenty of history to go with them. England and Australia is a feud as old as time; New Zealand v Ireland is a more modern titanic rivalry; Wales want revenge after the events of 2011; lastly, Japan and South Africa engage in a rematch of the "Brighton Miracle".

So who's going in on a roll, who's under prepared, and crucially who's going to make the semis?

There's plenty of history in the quarter-finals, an opportunity for teams to lay deamons to rest,
or for others to make fresh memories of victory.