So four is about to become two. Pressure and intensity have become the names of the game as the World Cup nears its climax. There are no second chances for teams carrying the expectations of their nations.
In such circumstances, defeat becomes almost unthinkable. Yet happen it will, and this weekend two teams will have to put aside a sense of crushing disappointment and accept their lot. The best will be distinguished by the gracious manner in which they take defeat.
In many ways, this is the most difficult of tasks on a rugby field. Arguably, it is tougher than beating six defenders to score in the corner or kicking a match-winning conversion from the sideline in the final minute. It involves casting aside despair and perhaps even a sense akin to shell-shock if the result has run contrary to expectation.
It may involve switching off simmering anger over refereeing decisions or opponents' transgressions. Losing graciously means paying due respect to the opposition and accepting the reality of defeat the moment that the referee signals the end of the contest.
This weekend's losing semifinalists do not have to look far for inspiration. The quarter-finals provided ready examples of men who reacted splendidly after being denied the opportunity to see their stellar careers culminate in the most fitting manner. Two, Ireland's captain, Brian O'Driscoll, and Victor Matfield, the Springbok lock, stood out.