SO here we are at the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup and what a fantastic finale we have got in store.

I’m not about to change my pre-tournament predictions - namely a final between Ireland and South Africa - although I have to concede that original prediction came very much from the heart.

The head says that you can’t really look past a New Zealand-Australia final, but I reckon we might see a few more surprises yet.

What a magnificent advert for rugby Ireland’s victory over France on Sunday was. The intensity and atmosphere in the Millennium Stadium were all there.

Sadly, we’ve lost Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony to injury, while the injury to Jonny Sexton and ban for Sean O’Brien means four of the tournament’s most influential players could be missing for the clash with Argentina.

Given that, I would not be surprised if Argentina came through.

Being involved with the southern hemisphere big three of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa means the Pumas are a more dangerous side.

They have been preparing to face the Irish ever since the draw was made three years ago, whereas for the Irish, France was the key game initially.

If there is an upset, to me it will be very sad that the Irish are not in the semi-finals.

Wales’ inability to get through an Australian team down to 13 men at times during last weekend’s s pool match was a bit of an indictment of northern hemisphere rugby. Calmness and guile were required but they just ran out of ideas, probably as a result of the massive injury problems they themselves have endured.

That said, if Wales can match South Africa physically in their last-eight clash and are still in it during the latter stages, there could be an upset there too.

I’ve been a bit disappointed with the way South Africa have gone about their game and, through their injuries and adversity, Wales have got the spirit to cause problems.

As for New Zealand, you get the feeling this is where they will come alive. Regardless of France being something of a bogey team, I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw a statement of intent from the All Blacks.

Every World Cup needs a French team at their best, but the way they are now is very disappointing.

For Australia, that spell surviving Welsh pressure could be the making of them. It may be a point we look back on if they are lifting the trophy in two weeks’ time.