The Rugby World Cup has reached the quarterfinals.
On Saturday, it’s Wales vs. Argentina and top-ranked Ireland vs. three-time champion New Zealand.
On Sunday, it’s England vs. underdog Fiji and host France vs. defending champion South Africa.
Here are the big things to know:
POWER SHIFT
The southern hemisphere has dominated the Rugby World Cup, winning eight out of nine tournaments and the last four in a row.
There have been three titles for New Zealand, three for South Africa and two for Australia. England is the odd one out with a 2srcsrc3 triumph for the northern hemisphere that is a distant memory.
But there’s a strong chance there might not be a single nation from the south in the semifinals this time and that would be a huge moment for rugby.
It’s north vs. south in each of the quarterfinals and the team from the northern hemisphere is the favorite in each.
No. 1 Ireland is on its best winning run of 17 matches, came back to clinch an historic series victory in New Zealand last year and is favored against the All Blacks this weekend. France is No. 2 and has home advantage — and the best player in the world — against South Africa.
England and Wales are higher-ranked and unbeaten in this World Cup heading into quarterfinals against Fiji and Argentina, respectively.
This weekend could then signal a major power shift in the ongoing north vs. south ba
…. to be continued
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