Portugal’s fantastic victory over Fiji completed the group competition at the World Cup. We can say that it has never been more interesting and uncertain. In the end, Portugal beat the ¼ finalists, which is an incredible thing for primarily European rugby outside of the 6 Nations competition.
Elem, rugby analysts were gathered around the round table again to give their opinions on the completed group stage, but also on the ¼ final matches. Our goal is to hear and aggregate opinions to make watching matches more fun and interesting. We hope you enjoy the new roundtable episode.
Which team disappointed you and which delighted you in the group stage of the competition?
Nikola Orlandić: Certainly, Australia after a weak game and elimination in the group stage is a disappointment, but more or less expected in that group.
The most positive surprise is Chile, Portugal and of course Fiji, which showed some progress and good work. I think that in the next 4 years, a few more teams can be expected to approach the very competitive level of the strongest teams. First of all, I think of Japan.
Milan Orlović: Without a doubt, the biggest disappointment is Australia. The two-time champion and one of the leading rugby nations failed to make the top 8 for the first time. We don’t need to talk too much about things off the field, but they certainly didn’t deserve to go on with their game either. However, if we mention the game, it must be said that England did not excel either, even though they won the group. Also, neither Romania nor Namibia were at the required level for the World Cup. I have the impression that some selections that are not at the World Cup would provide a lot more. The most pleasant surprise was Fiji, but the Portuguese and Uruguayans left a good impression. The best tactical game was provided by the Irish, and the most versatile was the French.
Nemanja Babić: I will start with the positive. Portugal had very good matches in the tournament. I expected from Fiji that they would attack the second place in the group and go to the ¼ finals. It is true that they fought until the end, but that is also a classic story for the island selections. In the previous text, I said that I expect the scalp of some of the world’s biggest selections. I secretly expected Samoa to at least knock England out. They certainly disappointed the Wallabies (went home), the English (passed through the eye of a needle), in my opinion, Argentina is struggling and can hardly move on.
Predrag Vraneš: Looking at the ¼ final pairings, which in my opinion are expected, I wouldn’t single out anyone in particular as a disappointment. If I really had to single out, maybe Australia, more because of the big defeat against Wales, than the lost game against Fiji. Speaking of Fiji, they left the best impression in my opinion and I even think they can reach the semi-finals. It turns out that this group C is the most interesting, so I would like to point out the great national team Portugal and the team of Georgia, which almost defeated Fiji.
Bogdan Mihajlović: Before the championship, I expected that the favorites would cope with the pressure and advance to the quarterfinals, and I was wrong only about Australia, which I mean, and that they did not expect not to pass the group. I am delighted with the game of the Irish the most, who showed consistency in every game, while the disappointment for me was Australia and Italy, who I expected to offer more resistance to New Zealand and France.
Dragan Petrović: I was most disappointed by the teams of Australia, Argentina and Georgia. Eddie Jones rejuvenated the Australian team late and paid a huge price for it. For the first time in their history, Australia did not make it past the group stage. I think Eddie Jones made a big mistake by giving up experienced players like Quaid Cooper and Michael Hooper. Another big disappointment is Argentina, which played disastrously against England, and in other games it didn’t really shine. The Highlanders from Georgia disappointed me. I appreciate them because they don’t have naturalized players and they play with their heart for their country, but they finished last in the group with only 3 points which I didn’t expect.
Jovan Kostić: The biggest disappointment is Australia. Before the start of the tournament, I saw Eddie Jones’ team as the absolute winners of Group C, where I had the biggest dilemma about who would fight for second place in Group C, Wales or Fiji. The fan and enthusiast in me was in favor of Fiji, and for fan reasons I wrote off Wales, who I also really like. But going by Wales’ performances in the past two 6 Nations Cups where they’ve finished in the bottom 5 twice in a row, I believed that Fiji could get to second place in the group, which is what happened at the end of the group stage, but I wouldn’t have guessed that Fiji would finish second in the group at the expense of Australia. Wales showed that they should never be underestimated and written off, they showed that even a wounded rugby force is up to the challenge of a major tournament. That’s why, in addition to the great and inspiring underdog Portugal, who left a strong impression on me at this tournament, Uruguay also, I personally was delighted by the Wales national team because I did not expect this kind of convincing. I would also like to mention that I have personally been wrong about England, perhaps secretly wanting more surprises in this tournament. The English, as the winners of group D, left Argentina and Japan behind, as well as Samoa, where all three national teams had real chances to “get their heads” but the English “brought me back to reality” and proved that they were up to the challenge, especially in the first match where George Ford beat the Argentinians with football and thus saddened the Argentina fan in me.
Stevan Ilijašević: I expected much more from Italy. The media announced the match against New Zealand as a duel between the never stronger Italy and the never weaker New Zealand. They ended with the All Blacks probably very angry, trashing Italy where they gave them 96 points, which is quite an embarrassment for a 6 Nations side. I expected a lot from Georgia, I can’t say that they disappointed because they definitely reduced the gap behind the TIR 1 teams, but they did not highlight a more serious candidacy for placement in the ¼ finals.
I was impressed by the Uruguay team that gave their all in the tournament. They also gave Italy a hard time, where they led 17-7 at halftime. In the end, the Italians were better, but Uruguay was very focused and of high quality. It should be noted that the bonus point was also taken away from the French, although the French played with a different team. I was also impressed by the Portuguese and Chile. Portugal, who beat Fiji, the team that made it to the ¼ finals. Chile enjoyed all the matches and it is definitely a real reward for qualifying for the World Cup.
In your opinion, which 5 players made the biggest impression on the tournament in the group stage?
Nikola Orlandić: I really wouldn’t put individuals before the team, but you can see the huge variety in the play of finishers, wings and forwards in all teams and the lethality in giving essays from well-executed actions. Certainly Will Jordan from NZ, Carreras from Argentina and Penaud from France for now as well as all the South African wings with incredible agility in front of the box, as has been the case in the past.
Milan Orlović: In this answer, I would like to sort of divide evenly between Tier 1 and Tier 2 . It’s hard to decide on just five, but when you have to, here are some who are an indisputable part of their national teams: Bandee Aki, a fantastic center who is great in all segments of the game. A granite defense and a lethal attack, one of the best in the world, provides the necessary solidity to the Irish national team. Davit Niniashvili , the Georgian, is certainly one of the best players in Tier 2 national teams and if he continues like this, he will surely be one of the best foreigners in the Top14. Mike Tadjer, the leader and support that was essential for the fantastic games of his Portugal. His shot against Fiji is for the linesmen’s textbooks. Levani Botia – a man who makes a difference. Probably the best ball stealer in the world. A constant threat to the opponent on every meter of the field, with him in the Fiji team, it prevents all teams from playing. Jac Morgan- the player who woke Wales up, brought much needed security and would be a great mainstay for the Dragons. Clinically precise and a born leader, we are yet to admire him. In addition to these five, we should also mention; Gibbson-Park, Dupont, Mackenzie, Tuisova, Timeifuna, Jaliber, de Allende… really top level.
Nemanja Babić: How many good players did we have the opportunity to see in the group stage…
I will start with the aforementioned Portugal selection. Nicholas Martin is one of them. The Portuguese really led his selection and was certainly one of the best. Bandiee Aki, fear and trembling for everyone and in every part of the field. Ireland look scary with him in the squad. Nick Tompkins had a great performance for Wales against Fiji. I can list a few more names but I would stop here.
Predrag Vraneš: As expected, Damian Penaud has shown that he is currently one of the best wings in the world, at the same time he is currently the leader in goals scored. Ireland’s center pair Bundee Aki and Gary Ringrose are, in my opinion, the main reason for Ireland’s good games. New Zealand’s Damian McKenzie made great use of the opportunity as a reserve in my opinion, he even scored 5 tries and 14 conversions. Ben Tameifuna, a slightly fancier (by position) pole from Tonga, was unstoppable on a couple of occasions.
Bogdan Mihajlović: Matthieu Jalibert from France stood out to me, he met expectations and proved to be an excellent replacement, followed by Gallo from Argentina, Jimeno from Japan, Penaud France and Martins Portugal.
Dragan Petrović: Definitely Bandee Aki, who is playing in the best shape of his life, and with him is the real experienced leader of the Irish, Johnny Sexton, who is the real leader of the Irish team. Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie a winning All Blacks tandem playing brilliantly. Andrea Vilaseca the captain of Uruguay who led his team brilliantly at this World Cup in France. Damian Penauld the French winger who is playing in great form, I like him a lot.
Jovan Kostić: I have to single out Damian Penaud as the player with 6 tries scored in the competition so far, because that’s what the statistics say, although in my opinion group A is too easy for the French, that’s why I can’t wait for the clash with the Springboks in the quarter-finals where Penaud will have to really show ” what is it made of”. I will also single out Tomas Ramos, the defender of France, who currently has the most conversions in the tournament (19) and registered six penalties. Tomas Ramos is a master of taking shots on goal and I think that in the quarter-final match with the Springboks it will be shots, penalties and feints that will give the winner the upper hand and send him to the semi-finals. And considering that the Springboks do not have a good percentage of successful shots, it is Ramos who can be that “tace on the scales”. Next, I would single out the naturalized Irishman of New Zealand origin, Bundee Aki, who has been playing like a reborn since the last 6 Nations Cup and is one of the most useful players in Andy Ferrell’s team. I would also single out Josh Adams as well as the speedy Lewis Rhys Zammit who seems to be slowly waking up and returning to the form he was in when Wales won the 6 Nations Cup two and a half years ago.
Stevan Ilijašević: First of all, I have to highlight the center duo of Ireland, Bandee Aki and Gary Ringros, who were incredible during all the matches. They are so dangerous in attack and open up so much space for others that it is fascinating. At the same time, both are extremely penetrating players who are very difficult to stop. Among the French, I was delighted by Ollivion, who raised the game to a higher level. It is extremely efficient in crabs and you can see it everywhere in the field.
Ardi Savea is the player who is perhaps the most dominant in the penetration game. You must not leave him even a minimum of space. Extremely quick and strong in contact. I must also single out Ben Tameifuna who, as the captain of Tonga, accepted the responsibility and was quite agile on the field for his size. It was somewhat surprising why Gatland gave the captain’s armband to Jack Morgan, but although he is very young, he has shown tremendous quality and maturity in decision-making situations on the field.
I know I listed 5 players already. But still, for the player who showed the most, I have to single out Dupont. A player for great deeds and a player who makes a difference on the field and in a very good French team.
How much can Argentina give against Wales?
Nikola Orlandić: It is certainly possible to win if they develop their good defense and mature in patience as well as good preparation and organization of attacks.
Milan Orlović: It will be a very tight game, as a rule, the Argentinians already play their best matches in the 1/4 finals. However, it cannot be said that they were at a satisfactory level in the group, and if they do not raise the level of play and reduce the number of mistakes, they will not be able to make it to the semi-finals. Perfect tactics, good attack balance, few mistakes and granite defense are expected from Wales. A slight advantage is on their side, but if the Pumas run well and play too much, they can win.
Nemanja Babić: I mentioned the torture of the Argentina selection in an earlier answer. Injuries are an aggravating circumstance. It is my opinion that head coach M. Cheika failed to mold Argentina’s emotional players into his system. It’s time for something to change, and I believe it will happen after the World Cup. On the other hand, Wales has its ups and downs. He doesn’t have a continuous streak of good games. It also has some key players injured. I’m on the soft side of Wales.
Predrag Vraneš: Much depends on the motives of Argentina itself. In my opinion, they were disappointing against England, who played for 65 minutes with one less player, and Los Pumas showed almost nothing. If the game opens up with Argentina taking the lead first, it will put the wind at their backs and make it really difficult for Wales. My opinion is that the chances are 50-50.
Bogdan Mihajlović: Argentinians are fanatics. I think that their fans have taken over Marseille and will try to give as much support as possible to their national team. I think they will hold on well until the first major mistake and then slowly the Welsh will take matters into their own hands.
Dragan Petrović: Personally, I am a big fan of Argentina, but I am not enthusiastic about their performance at this World Cup. Argentinians are temperamental, sometimes they play more with their heart and without thinking than with their head. They remind me of our football team, which can beat anyone, but also play poorly with anyone. You are never clean with them. They can win the All Blacks, but then lose to everyone. I don’t think Wales have shown anything special in this WC. The match with Argentina will be a 50:50 chance for both sides. Pablo Matera is injured and will not play for Argentina. Faletau is injured and will not play for Wales. I think the game will be even. Argentina beat Wales in Cardiff in the last Test match. The chances are even 50:50.
Jovan Kostić: A difficult decision. The fan in me believes that Argentina can have a chance against Wales to win, but on the other hand, Wales is full of confidence, consolidated and ready for action. The Argentinians did not excite me in the match with England, but maybe it was the “ice” that had to be “broken”. If the Argentinians learned lessons from the match with the English, in that case I will bet on Argentina.
Stevan Ilijašević: Wales has been quite confident in all matches so far. Faletau finished the tournament, it is not known if Bigar will be ready. However, the young players were up to the task. Getting any kind of Australia at 40-6 is no small feat. Argentinians seem to lack something, as if they lack that spark that will light the fire. They were rather pale and unconvincing. I sincerely hope that they will manage to break away and that they will finally play as they know and are able to. However, from everything seen so far, I definitely give Wells the role of favorite.
Ireland and New Zealand, the final before the final?
Nikola Orlandić: I wouldn’t say that the final is before the final, but NZ made a serious young team. I think it will be tight and I would still give the Irish the edge, who are really on a roll and in great form.
Milan Orlović: We are all looking forward to this match, the All Blacks are synonymous with rugby and a team against which no one has ever been a favorite. The Irish really have a formidable team, filled in all positions, playing attacking but surgically precise rugby. Mistakes are at a minimum and defense at a maximum. Again, despite that, New Zealand will be asked to win, there are a lot of flaws, but if they have their day, nobody can do anything to them. The Irish will have to do better than against the Springboks, it is possible that if they succeed they deserve that historic semi-final and will become the main contender for the trophy.
Nemanja Babić: Collision between two schools of rugby. Clash of two different types of understanding of sport. Two small countries with a great tradition and success in the sport of rugby. Obviously a tournament team that, in my opinion, gave up the initiative and pushed France to the forefront at the opening of the championship, in order to slowly pick up their form for the 1/4 and 1/2 finals. On the one hand, AB, who have the experience of winning the Webb Ellis trophy, on the other, the Irish have the opportunity to enter the semi-finals and fight for a medal for the first time. Farrell as a coach brought a very different way and approach to the game. Very efficient, they know where to attack at all times. This game is definitely one of the finals before the finals. They easily get the opportunity to score and simply the game of the Irish selection is very diverse and they threaten from all sides. I have to admit that after the group stage I give a slight edge to the Irish. I’m certainly not writing off “mighty AB”. It will be wonderful to watch the clash of these two selections.
Predrag Vraneš: The very fact that Ireland has never made it past the ¼ final at the world championships makes this game even more interesting. Ireland had a baptism of fire, let’s say, against South Africa and celebrated in undoubtedly the best match at this World Cup, so in my opinion, they are a shade closer to reaching the ½ finals. What Ireland doesn’t have, and New Zealand has a handful of, is a much larger number of play-off games, but I think Ireland must take a chance with this extraordinary generation and achieve historic success, maybe even with the Webb Ellis trophy in their hands.
Bogdan Mihajlović: Definitely the final before the final. The draw was not in any way favorable to one or the other, but whatever our people would say, heroes are known in hardships. If anyone can beat New Zealand it’s Ireland. It will be interesting to watch the tussle between Beauden Barrett, Sexton and the others and see who will have the stronger nerves.
Dragan Petrović: No! I don’t think it’s the final before the final because we have two more great national teams that are favorites to win the World Cup, namely France and South Africa. The draw was so favorable for them to meet in the quarter-finals. The Irish are playing some great rugby led by veteran captain Johnny Sexton. The All Blacks are always among the favourites. The French and South Africa are two other big favourites. We will see who will reach the final. Personally, I would like a France-Ireland European final.
Jovan Kostić: Definitely the final before the final, Andy Farrell’s team is full of self-confidence, disciplined, steely in defense, which has a monstrous scrum, an exceptional shooter and a diagonal, simply a team that “grinds” the opponents. There is no need to mince words about New Zealand, the “All Blacks” say it all. I’m expecting fireworks.
Stevan Ilijašević: Definitely one of. Ireland is playing phenomenally. Andy Farrell made all the dice. They have a huge number of options in attack, you just don’t know how you will defend yourself. Jamieson Gibbson Park is playing the tournament of a lifetime and is leading an incredibly high-tempo Irish attack. New Zealand is always the first favorite of the tournament. The most successful World Cup team ever. They were eliminated only twice in the ¼ finals. They haven’t discovered all the weapons yet, although the French outplayed them in the first match. But that was over a month ago! Now the situation is totally different. Ardi Savea and Will Jordan are playing a fantastic tournament. Reserve demi Cam Roigard, whose style of play is reminiscent of Dupont, is particularly interesting. If I had to give a preference, I would still choose Ireland.
Can Fiji surprise England again?
Nikola Orlandić: I personally think it can, but only if they are ready for maximum focus and brutal defense. For the English, it would be a big blow to their way of thinking, first of all, and it would call into question the work of the entire Alliance, since they have already been criticized a lot and for them this is all or nothing.
Milan Orlović: This can be very interesting, it is obvious that the English will still be the favorites, but they have to justify it on the field. Mistakes, especially cards, can decide this game. They are more inclined to Fijians who will leave their hearts on the field. How Fiji open the game will determine the course of the game. If they are lucky in shooting and catch their offloads, they can win. The English will certainly be more patient, they will try the positional game, because they know how dangerous Fiji is in attack.
Nemanja Babić: Fiji!? I also have a comment on their game and the group stage; “from hero to zero”. Somewhere, maybe it’s good that Portugal happened in the very last game. Collect the ranks, select the best team and starting XV. The difference it brings to them is the experience of a large number of players in clubs that play in the best leagues in Europe. It’s a change not in mentality and way of playing, but in the approach to the game itself, and they just started playing all 80 minutes. The English are struggling, they were waiting for the punished Farrell, but he did not bring the necessary calmness and options in the attack. It is obvious that a change of coach is felt before the championship and that there was not enough time to put things in place and fit the dice. It will be a very physically demanding game and if Fiji manage to keep the score positive with few penalties, they have a chance to reach their first ever semi-final.
Predrag Vraneš: Currently, one of the strongest players in terms of strength is Fiji. What they obviously lack is technique, and on many occasions rushing in the attack, with a handful of dropped balls. If they get that segment right, I think they have a chance to pass. England, on the other hand, will be looking for a rematch, because it was Fiji who beat them at Twickenham in the last preparatory match before the World Cup. I would give preference to the English, because they still have much more experience in these kinds of matches.
Bogdan Mihajlović: I think it is difficult to do. In the previous match, I think the English underestimated them a bit and got burned, so I don’t think that will happen this time. They will start with a clean sweep to show where their place is and thus extinguish the hopes of the Fijians.
Dragan Petrović: Difficult! Miracles in rugby are difficult to repeat. Personally, I would like and support Fiji, but it is unlikely that the experienced and well-oiled Englishmen will allow it. Fiji beat them once before in a test match in the middle of England before the start of the WC, but I doubt they can do it again. Fiji played badly against Georgia and Portugal which disappointed and surprised me. I think the English who are not playing very well will not allow surprises. Personally, I would like the lovely flying Fijians to beat England and go to the semi-finals.
Jovan Kostić: Still, I don’t think there will be any surprises here, I’m leaving enthusiasm aside this time. Fiji is an attractive and playful team that creates original “creative chaos” that only they know how to play and that the audience loves. But in that playfulness, balls often fall out and mistakes are made in movement and communication that cost points, and the English are too experienced not to pay for such things.
Stevan Ilijašević: I think it is unlikely that Fiji will win England again. Preliminaries are one thing and ¼ finals of the World Cup are another. The fact is that the Pacific teams cause problems for the English with more risky offloads and shots and not fully structured play. But the English are the English. It will be strongest when it is needed most. Fiji has quality but lacks continuity. So far, they have played every game with 7 points or less. They were quite physically and emotionally exhausted. They seem to have settled for the ¼ finals. As the only person in Serbia who supports England, I have to single them out as favorites.
Will France be able to take advantage of their home turf and dethrone reigning champions South Africa?
Nikola Orlandić: I really wouldn’t predict anything for this pair, it will be a festival of rugby and honestly I don’t have a favorite except that I would like the French effort and persistence to pay off after so many years.
Milan Orlović: Although they were defeated by Ireland, the Springboks showed all their potential. You have to play your best rugby to stand a chance of beating them. The French have talent and potential, but in order to get perhaps the most complete team in the world, they must be the best version of themselves. Kicks on goal could decide the outcome of this match.
Nemanja Babić: What else can be said about this clash of titans. Not just two different schools of rugby but two completely opposite strategies. We all mourned France when the news came that Ntamak would not play in the World Cup. AB was defeated without him, then the injury of Dupont, who according to the forecasts will return and will be in the lineup. All this seems to me like a screen behind which the French team works persistently, calmly and waits for its chance. They have the advantage of the home field, they have all the victories in the group stage and Dupont in the squad.
The Springboks are a team with a lot of experience. They are led by a player full of charisma and a guy who managed to combine everything that is difficult to combine in a country like South Africa. They have a shadow coach R. Erasmus, who intrigues the public and thereby in a refined way takes the spotlight off his players and leaves them peace and space to work and focus. Should I analyze the game JA? With “bomb squad” players in the scrum and returning A. A Pollard that has a magical leg and all-powerful hands. I don’t have the courage to mention a single name as a favorite here. I can’t wait for this meeting and I believe that all participants and observers will enjoy it.
Predrag Vraneš: France as the host, against the defending champions, South Africa… Rugby is one of the “most team” sports in the world, but in this duel one individual will mean a lot and the question of whether the best rugby player in the world, Antoine Dupont, will play for France . If he plays, I think that France has a great chance to play in the ½ final, and also the home crowd will have a great influence on the French themselves. The Springboks are more than a serious team, they are the current champion and most of their players have been in their squad since the last World Cup, and in my opinion, their chance to win is hidden in the scrum, because we all know how the English fared in the final 4 years ago. Dupont, whether he plays or not, I expect France to go to the ½ final.
Bogdan Mihajlović: France simply has to use the generation it has, plus the home field. The injury problem may slow them down a bit, but the Roosters are on the rise and need to take advantage of that.
Dragan Petrović: France can win over South Africa, but the home field and the pressure from the fans and the public can also be a problem for France. We will see how the players of France will handle it. France has a great team and next to the Irish they are the biggest favorite to win the title. We will see if Dupont will play, who is a very important part of the team.
Jovan Kostić: As I mentioned above in the text, I believe that the match between France and South Africans will be decided by discipline, shots and penalties, and that the details will determine the winner.
Stevan Ilijašević: Big derby! I think there will be too much pressure on France. But they still have a fantastic team. If Dupont is ready for the ¼ final, it will be an additional plus. South Africa are a very tough team who play extremely contact rugby. With their “bomb squad” formation, they can wear down the opposing scrum a lot. It should be noted that these two teams were defensively the strongest in the tournament, France received 32 points and South Africa 34 so far. But my vote still goes to the French!
Who has an open path to the final?
Nikola Orlandić: It will take a lot of work, sweat and blood in the next 160 minutes, whichever team enters the final. Personally, I think that this is perhaps the most interesting game so far, that excellent rugby is being played and that judging by the groups, we are in for some real treats and seven or eight more phenomenal games until the new World Champion.
Let’s enjoy and learn while it lasts!
Milan Orlović: Nobody, the 1/4 finals are very uncertain and the nuances will decide. A clash of two hemispheres, without clear favorites. The chances of passing among the 4 are very even. However, the situation will change already in the next round, where the winners of the matches South Africa-France and Ireland-New Zealand will play the role of favorites. Those four teams are really the best in the world and mental stability, and discipline will decide the champion.
Nemanja Babić: In my opinion, there is no open road. There has come a stage where there is no sure and big favorite. These are the 8 best selections in the world and the nuances will decide who is in the semi-finals and also the finer details of who will be in the final.
Predrag Vraneš: Somehow one gets the impression that we have 2 strong and 2 weak pairs in the ¼ finals of the World Cup, which in a way is true. Based on that, I expect, as I wrote, the passage of Ireland and France, which will equally have easier matches in the ½ final, than in the round before that.
I think that Ireland deserved to win this tournament, both on the pitch and the current games at this World Cup. Certainly if the Irish and the French make it to the grand final, we will get 5th national team that won the title of World Champion.
Bogdan Mihajlović: It’s hard to say that some national team has an open path, because I think that’s impossible in rugby, but if I had to single out one national team, it would be England.
Dragan Petrović: I don’t think anyone in particular because we have two big and strong matches Ireland-All Blacks and France-South Africa waiting for us. The winners of these duels will have weaker opponents in the semi-finals, who have not shown a great game so far. The quarterfinal matches will also be decided by the finalists.
Jovan Kostić: Whoever wins the match between Ireland and New Zealand.
Stevan Ilijašević: England! It may seem strange, but I really think so. I believe they will have no problem against Fiji. I also think that in the ¼ final they will manage to defeat France, who will be both emotionally and physically drained after the duel with South Africa.
