Check out our talking points from the fourth round of Rugby World Cup action.
SA pool games done and dusted
South Africa completed their Pool B duties with a 49-18 defeat of Tonga on Sunday in Marseille. They currently sit one-point (15) ahead of Ireland atop the pool, though Andy Farrell’s boys must still contend with Scotland (10-points) in their final game before the knockouts are decided.
Considering what we’ve seen so far, it would be fair to expect Ireland to finish in top spot with the defending champions in second.
Am to replace Mapimps?
Makazole Mapimpi’s World Cup campaign is over after the Sharks winger sustained a blow-out fracture of his cheekbone in action on the weekend. In all likelihood, his departure from the squad will result in the call-up of Lukhanyo Am, who will add plenty of value to the side going forward.
With SA’s quarterfinal participation only set to be confirmed after the Ireland/ Scotland clash in Saint-Denis on Sunday, however, the dexterous midfielder may only join up with the team next week.
Wallabies’ win (probably) not enough
Despite a 34-19 victory over Portugal in Saint-Étienne in their final pool match, home-bound Australia must remain in France until after Fiji have completed their fixture against Os Lobos this coming weekend. Eddie Jones and his dejected squad are second in Pool C, but the Pacific Islanders are just one point and one place back and are expected to overtake them with victory this Sunday.
All Blacks back in business?
After being written off by many, New Zealand could yet have a say this tournament after annihilating an appalling Italy side 96-17 in Lyon on Friday. With second spot in Pool A all but wrapped up, they may well face world No 1s Ireland in the quarterfinals in what is set to be a showdown for the ages.
