QUARTER FINAL: WALES V ARGENTINA | QF1 | STADE DE MARSEILLE, MARSEILLE SUNDAY, 2.00AM
The first quarter final is a compelling affair and while neither Wales or Argentina are World Cup winners or ranked in the top tier of international teams, they have been in the semis of the last four World Cups and this will make it five on end. Wales have been to two of the last three and are favoured here but the number is a little big. Wales have been impressive going through Pool C unbeaten but that was the weakest group at the World Cup. Argentina have lost just one of their last three post-Covid against Wales. This projects to be a very close game and the plus is the bet.
Betting Strategy
Argentina +4.5 (WIN) at $1.85+ 
QUARTER FINAL: IRELAND V NEW ZEALAND | QF2 | STADE DE FRANCE, PARIS SUNDAY, 6.00AM
It is stunning that Ireland are favoured in betting heading into their quarter final matchup with New Zealand. While Ireland have been highly impressive at this World Cup, their long and disappointing World Cup history cannot be overlooked. Ireland have reached the knockout stage in nine of 10 World Cups and have been eliminated at the quarter final stage (or the quarter final playoff) on all nine occasions. That includes the last World Cup where the All Blacks eliminated Ireland at the quarter final stage 46-14. Ireland have a very good recent record against New Zealand with four wins in the last six clashes but New Zealand always lift at the World Cup and they should not be underdogs here.
Betting Strategy
QUARTER FINAL: ENGLAND V FIJI | QF3 | STADE DE MARSEILLE, MARSEILLE MONDAY, 2.00AM
England enter this game on the back of winning their group with a 4-0 record and the third best defensive record, conceding under 10ppg. Fiji finished second in their pool but despite a win over the Wallabies that helped them advance, they lost to both Wales and Portugal. A +5 differential is hardly something to crow about. Fiji did win the last head-to-head with England in August, their first win over them. This has a lot more meaning though and given their stout defence England look one of the better bets to cover.
Betting Strategy
QUARTER FINAL: FRANCE V SOUTH AFRICA | QF4 | STADE DE FRANCE, PARIS MONDAY, 6.00AM
The eyes of a nation will be on the Stade de Paris when the host nation plays one-time tournament favourites South Africa in a monster quarter-final that looks a very good chance of producing the World Cup winner. These are the two best defensive teams at the World Cup. They are now on the easier side of the draw. The pressure on France will no doubt be immense and while they handled it in their opener against the All Blacks, elimination on home turf is a different matter indeed. The Springboks have had a more hardened preparation, coming from the toughest pool. South Africa have also won seven of the last eight meetings between the two nations including the last three at this ground. The Springboks are a very solid bet in this one.
Betting Strategy
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