Indeed they did - and they were also runners-up in 1991.

I think that neutrino has messed things up. I'm sure we keep having the same conversation.

Quite. So now we've established England did win the cup once and didn't win it five times, so it's nice they have a little NH comp to try to dominate.

Right, so all the QFs decided today - good to see they won't be decided till the very last pool game. Big news for the ABs losing Carter, could be crucial in the knockout games.

The Irish game is looking interesting if they win then it Ireland Wales QF and England France will be interesting

Its shame the QF's will probably be playing against the same hemisphere sides.

Yes in the sense we see those games all the time but no in the sense it keeps it keeps 'the world' interested. If you end up with a Kiwis vs Aussies final, who in the NH is going to get up at some ungodly hour to watch it? Ideally you'd want the final to be the best team in the NH against the best team in the SH.

Jon

My guess is the organisers were hoping for a more mixed group of quarters, but Ireland and Argentina had different ideas and we've now got NH v SH. Certainly sets up hemisphere bragging rights for the eventual winner. Kind of glad it won't be an all-NH kick fest.

I'd say Wales are my favourites for the first quarter given the roll they seem to be on, but I wouldn't write off Ireland.

Aye. Currently looking very comfortable against Italy.

Jon

To be fair, that's not a huge challenge. I'd say their ability to play the game they wanted against the Wobblies is what makes them unpredictable. While for Wales it's the close loss to the 'Boks and the form they're showing at the moment.

If Wales get to a SA Semi then they will kick the Boks off the pitch the way they are playing at the moment.

The problem is Ireland

Early days I know, but I'm half expecting a Wales v NZ final.

I'm kind of feeling the same way. Wales just seem to be hitting their stride at the right time, and New Zealand are fired up for this cup. Would be a great match.

There are two nations who's main religion is Rugby. So a Cymru v Zeland Newydd would be a very appropriate final especially as the NZ couching team are ex managers of welsh.

No harm in dreaming

Wales will have a tough time against the experience of Ireland.

Everyone bar the English, French and Aussies seem to be peaking too soon.

And they aren't peaking at all.

England's biggest problem is discipline, on and off the pitch now three of the arses have had to apologise to hotel staff...

TBH now it's quarters it's for the taking of any team.