2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals taking shape
James Mortimer - (25/09/2011)
The All Blacks have continued their impressive record of never losing in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup – the only team in history to do so – with their impressive 37-17 win over France.
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The win essentially secured the host team quarter-final privileges, the first team so far this tournament to do so, and on current seedings they will face either Scotland or Argentina in what will be the last round of eight match at Eden Park on October 9.
The bonus point win also meant that the All Blacks are the only team to collect a full 15 competition points from their matches so far.
If France defeats Tonga on October 1, then they will qualify as the second placed team from Pool A, and will likely face great rivals England.
Scotland and Argentina play today in Wellington, but it will not be until October 1 that the winner of their group becomes clear, with the Thistles playing England at Eden Park.
The defending champions have a big lead in Pool D, but their place as top qualifier in their Pool is not confirmed, as a Samoa win against Fiji and an upset triumph against the Springboks in front of what will likely be a supporting crowd at North Harbour Stadium could upset the proverbial apple cart.
The winner of the Pacific Island grudge match between Fiji and Samoa today will have a chance to qualify as second placed team, but that position won’t be decided until Wales plays the Fijians in the final fixture at Waikato Stadium.
Who the winners and runners up of that Pool will face is still up in the air, as Ireland’s shock win over the Wallabies has thrown Pool C wide open, with the Irish needing to defeat Russia and Italy to confirm honours for the group.