The pool stage of the Rugby World Cup finals has reached the halfway point - and while the quarter-finalists from some groups are already clear, others face pivotal games in the second half of pool play.

Only four teams claimed the maximum 10 points from their first two games – Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and, surprisingly, Fiji. South Africa head Pool A as the only unbeaten team, while Pool D is, as expected, very close.

A number of pivotal games will be played over the next few days. It was win or bust for hosts France in Friday night's Pool D confrontation with Ireland - and they came good with a 25-3 victory.The pressure was on the French after their opening loss to Argentina, while the Irish will now have to beat Argentina to have any chance of going through.

‘The draw may say the knockout phase is still two weeks away, but for some teams it starts now.’


After a disappointing loss to Tonga, Samoa take on England on Saturday in a game they must win to keep their slim quarter-final hopes alive. The formula for England is a simple one – win and they are into the knockout phase but Samoa and Tonga both play a bruising, physical style that could knock the English off their game.

The qualifiers from Pool C seem to have already sorted themselves out, and the order in which they finish will be determined on Sunday when New Zealand take on Scotland. The All Blacks are heavy favourites, having already demolished Italy and Portugal, but Scotland look to have sewn up the second quarter-final berth thanks to two bonus point wins already.

Pool B also has a near sudden-death clash still to come when Wales take on Fiji. The Welsh have lost one game, to pool favourites Australia, while Fiji will no doubt be in the same boat, having only managed a draw against Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup earlier this year. The battle for the second Pool A place, and a likely clash with the Springboks, will be decided in Nantes on September 29.

The results so far have gone largely according to how most would have expected, with only two real upsets. The talking point has been the failure of teams such as England and Ireland pick up bonus points against less-fancied opponents, a failure which could result in an early exit.

Only four teams have stamped their names on quarter-final places – New Zealand, Scotland, Australia and South Africa, while others, such as Fiji and Argentina, are just one win away. The draw may say the knockout phase is still two weeks away, but for some teams it starts now.

Will England survive, can Ireland bounce back? Post your verdict below or tell us what you think of it so far in your own article.