"Boks heading home" - Sir Clive Woodward predicts all four World Cup quarter-finals

Following the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup former England boss Sir Clive Woodward predicted the four quarter-finals, and things didn't quite go to plan,

In Pool A, France and New Zealand secured their berths, while Pool B saw Ireland and South Africa emerge as qualifiers. Pool C featured Wales and Fiji as the advancing teams, and in Pool D, England and Argentina earned their places in the quarter-finals.

Sir Clive Woodward, the renowned coach of the England rugby team, earlier this week shared his predictions for all four upcoming matches on Mail Online.

So far it hasn't gone to plan with the 2003 World Cup winner getting three of the four quarterfinal predictions wrong.

Woodward said: "Warren Gatland has done an amazing job to take Wales from where they were in the Six Nations to the quarter-finals. To top a pool at any World Cup is an impressive feat and Wales have done it with 19 points from a possible 20."

He added: "he Pumas hadn’t been at their best in France and although they were much more like themselves against Japan yesterday, Wales won’t be afraid."

Prediction: Wales win

Result: Argentina win

He said: "Ireland are playing on a different level to every other team at this World Cup and the only side close to them is France.

"I can’t see New Zealand beating Ireland if Andy Farrell’s side reproduce the sort of performance they delivered against Scotland. What a job Farrell has done. He is clearly a wonderful coach but has also put a great team around him in Paul O’Connell, Simon Easterby and Mike Catt."

Prediction: Ireland win

Result: New Zealand win

He wrote: "I think South Africa are a better team than when they won the last World Cup. They have an amazing side but face a big call at No 10 for the France game.

"If I was coaching the Springboks, I’d continue with Manie Libbok in place of Handre Pollard.

"Libbok kicked poorly against Ireland and had an off day but he has so much to offer in attack. In big World Cup knockout games, the sort of creativity he brings can make a big difference but it still might not be enough to down France."

Prediction:France win

Result: South Africa

Woodward said: "England have to tighten up defensively. They looked so vulnerable against Samoa and ran out of numbers very quickly. With a bit more luck, Samoa could have scored three further tries.

"I’ve constantly talked about England playing with pace but that doesn’t just apply to attack. It’s defence, too. With a neutral hat on, I hope Fiji don’t get too tactical and try to mirror England’s kicking game. If they run the ball, they’ll cause problems."

Prediction: England win

Result: England win