Updated predictions

Catastrophe for the All Blacks today, with Dan Carter ruled out of the rest of the World Cup due to injury. Also a key day for deciding quarter final spots, with the final standings in pools B & C only decided in the last 2 matches!

Quarter finals are:

• England v France
• NZ v Argentina
• Ireland v Wales
• Australia v South Africa

Now, this is where I get into trouble again, with some more predictions. My first attempt wasn't that successful, so here's another go now I've seen all of these teams play during pool play.

Semi-finals:

• France v Wales
• New Zealand v South Africa

Finals:

• A final: France v South Africa
• B final: NZ v Wales

I really really hope I'm wrong, but I don't think that we can go all the way without Dan, especially as there isn't a convincing replacement for him at No.10. Colin Slade played okay against Canada today, but they're minnows and his kicking wasn't good. Piri Weepu would be a more convincing choice at No.10, but it's not his regular position - however he won't let penalties and conversions slip away from us like Slade did today. It didn't matter today against Canada, but it sure as heck will matter in the semis...