Crystal ball time. So has the road to the World Cup final become a little clearer? We crystallise our thoughts.
Group A
Australia/Wales
Yes, England to slide out of their own tournament: ie Australia will win all of its matches - the Wallabies have enough petrol in the tank to beat a confused, under-pressure England at Twickers on Sunday. Welsh momentum will trump Fiji in Cardiff on Friday, although don't write Fiji off. So the Welsh rearguard win over England will get them through at the expense of the hosts.
Group B
South Africa/Scotland
South Africa have picked themselves up - and with all due respect to a great player, Jean de Villiers won't be missed with Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende reunited in the midfield. Samoa's intent is good, but their organisation was found wanting against South Africa so we're picking the Jocks to beat Samoa in Newcastle.
