Bring it on…

The 2019 Rugby World Cup pool stages are now over and as we look towards this weekend’s quarter-final games, we have the pleasure of hearing from rugby royalty.

HR advisor for Corporate Functions, Rob McGeechan, who currently works as the first team head coach of Tupton RUFC, based in Chesterfield, asked his dad, none other than British Lions legend and Scottish former rugby union player and coach, Sir Ian Robert McGeechan, OBE, for his predictions.

‘I would love to see Japan beat South Africa, their rugby is superb,’ said Sir Ian. ‘They play quicker than anyone, in fact, I’ve written in my article for the Telegraph that it’s no coincidence that the teams who have progressed to the quarter-finals are those with the quickest scrum-halves, meaning they can play at a very high tempo in attack. However, I think South Africa will be ready for Japan this time and will want to erase the memories of Brighton in 2015.

‘Ireland went into the tournament ranked number one in the world and have proved that they can beat the All Blacks, having won two of their last three meetings. However, Ireland have had a disappointing World Cup so far and I just can’t see beyond a New Zealand win. The All Blacks moving star fly-half Beauden Barrett to full-back has given them a completely new dimension.

‘England will have a tough slog, but I think that they will just edge past Australia. I think England have too much for the Wallabies, with a variety of ball-carriers, clever tactical kickers and a rock-solid defence.

‘Finally, I think Wales will prove too strong a test for the French. Wales have been outstandingly tidy so far in the group stage; they are defensively the best side in the world and are both confident and patient, which has led to them winning some really tight pool games.’