THE Rugby World Cup has been shaping up nicely.
Home nations and the other big rugby countries have it all to play for in France.
England have cruised through Pool DRex
But they have to navigate the pool stages first, going into the final two weekends of pool action.
And this is how the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals are shaping up.
Who could Wales face?
Quarter-final 1 – October 14 (5pm) – Marseille
Winner Pool C vs Runner-up Pool D
This is likely to be Wales vs either Japan, Samoa or Argentina. Most likely Los Pumas.
Argentina face Japan on October 8 and Wales need just a losing bonus point from their game against Georgia to top Pool C.
GettyWales have booked their quarter-final spot[/caption]
Ireland’s potential opponents
Quarter-final 2 – October 14 (9pm) – Paris
Winner Pool B vs Runner-up Pool A
Likely to be Ireland against New Zealand.
Ireland have been brilliant all year, have won a Six Nations Grand Slam and have beaten the All Blacks in the last 12 months.
Italy currently sit ahead of New Zealand with two games to go but they still have to face each other.
The Kiwis also have a lot of pundits writing them off after their opening-day defeat to France.
Do so at your peril.
Who could England be up against?
Quarter-final 3 – October 14 (5pm) – Marseille
Winner Pool D vs Runner-up Pool C
This could be England‘s last-eight clash, and it is likely to be against Fiji.
Fiji beat the Red Rose at Twickenham just before the Rugby World Cup.
As Wales and Australia found out, Fiji are a very, very dangerous side.
GettyEngland have secured their quarter-final spot at the Rugby World Cup[/caption]
Scotland’s uphill battle
Quarter-final 4 – October 15 (9pm) – Paris
Winner Pool A vs Runner-up Pool B
Likely to be France vs South Africa.
Don’t rule out Scotland, but Gregor Townsend’s side have a huge task if they are to make it through.
After Ireland’s win over the Springboks in the pool stages, this is likely to be a Rugby World Cup classic.
France’s star backs Romain Ntamack and Antoine DuPont have both been injured either in the run-up or during the Rugby World Cup.
An early exit to the world champions is unthinkable for the home crowd.
Surely it couldn’t happen, could it?