It's come down to the final eight, the best eight nations in the world at present. The absences of sides like Wales, AA/TSI, and Papua New Guinea are shocking- but the shock has been replaced with general delight at the emergence of Tonga, South Africa, and Scotland as future powerhouse nations on the league scene.
Australia vs. Tonga @ Aussie Stadium
The Kangaroos have been far from flawless on their run into the finals, but managed to secure first in their pool due to the battle between Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and France which never really saw a decisive winner. Injuries to the likes of Jamie Lyon and Wendell Sailor have softened the Kangaroos a little bit, but they look the goods against a Tongan side that doesn't have stars across the park.
Key Battle: John Hopoate and Lesley Vainakolo vs. Timana Tahu and Mat Rogers. The Tongans possess two world class wingers in Brisbane's John Hopoate and former Central giant, Lesley Vainakolo. Tahu has some defensive woes, and Rogers isn't noted for his man marking either- this could prove a decisive battle. If Tonga can win it, they may win the game.
Key Players:
Australia- George Smith. The Union convert has been outstanding for the Aussies so far, playing with a lot of passion, a trait he brings from the fifteen a side game.
Tonga- Lee Hansen. The goal-kicking fullback has made an immediate impact, and with the collapse of the Tonga Reef Sharks, he will be looking for a new club.
Prediction: Australia by 16. They should be too big and too strong.
Ireland vs. England @ Telstra Stadium
The clash of the British Isles, this should be the final of the round, and organisers are expecting a sell out Sydney crowd. Ireland have been the best offensive and defensive side in the World Cup thus far, with England finishing on shaky ground after a solid start to their pool matches. The Irish backline has been dominating opposition, but has yet to meet a world class backline the likes of England's. The Lions also possess superboot Jonny Wilkinson, who may prove decisive if the game is close.
Key Battle: Brian O'Driscroll vs. Keith Senior. Two of the most dominant and talented centres in the ASRL will clash here, and fans are salivating. O'Driscroll's attack is scintillating, whilst Senior is a powerful defender. Whichever muscles up here will prove crucial in deciding the result.
Key Players:
England- Jonny Wilkinson. 'Sergant Wilko' has been a little ordinary in the opening matches in terms of his boot, and will need to be on song if England are to repeat their win over Ireland from earlier in the year.
Ireland- Brian Carney. Should he be fit to play, the powerful Suva winger will be of vital importance to Ireland's attack. A flawless support player and runner of the ball, Carney will be the icer of any cake Ireland produces.
Prediction: Ireland by 6. The Irish are in hot form, and should be able to deal with England, who struggled after wins over USA and Lebanon.
Scotland vs. South Africa @ the MCG
This clash will basically show the league world which of these two sides has come the furthest since disappointing showings in the 1999 World Cup. Scotland shocked everyone by blooding rookies such as Seamus O'Grady and Alex Synn, whilst South Africa welcomed Union converts Jaco Van Der Westuizen and Joost Van Der Westuizen to their side. The South Africans have shown they can beat anyone by upsetting Australia, and how either handles their first sudden death final will be key.
Key Battle: Richard Horne vs. Jaco Van Der Westuizen. Both fullbacks have been inspirational for their nations, with Jaco being a key player in South Africa's success thus far. Jaco's combination with his brother Joost has been exciting, whilst Horne has instead relied on his forwards to put him into space. In reality, it's a case of whoever neutralises the aid of the other will win the match.
Key Player:
Scotland- Scott Logan. The big prop has captained Canberra and Gold Coast, and will be vital in keeping his side in check with referee Justin Hoy, who is renowned for giving away a lot of penalties.
South Africa- Joost van der Westuizen. Announcing a week ago that he'd be playing one last year with North Sydney before retiring, Joost will be looking to lead his country to something great in his final World Cup.
Prediction: South Africa by 4. The South Africans, to me, epitomise what is great in an emerging nation. They're exuberant, have some veterans, and have plenty of passion. Scotland might not have figured out how to win yet, after years of being perennial losers.
New Zealand vs. Europe @ ANZ Stadium
New Zealand have monstered their way to first in their pool after a shaky start, and will be looking to put Europe out of the competition after the Europeans' last start saw them annihilated by the Irish. The Kiwis have talent and class across the park, whilst Europe will be relying on a few classy players to stand up and turn the tide. I can't see it happening.
Key Battle: Christian Cullen vs. Clinton Schifcofske. Cullen has finally found his groove playing around some real talent, and will be itching to show the ASRL fans he is a world class fullback. Schifcofske, on the other hand, has nothing to prove- having represented Queensland and Australia already. Should be a thrilling clash between two talents in the #1 jersey.
Key Player:
New Zealand- Andrew Mehrtens. The man with the perfect boot, Mehrtens has 21 from 21 in high pressure circumstances, and will be looking to break the record set by Sydney's Luke Covell earlier this year.
Europe: Scott Magro. The Fairfield lock has been the find of the season for the Stallions, and has shown a level head and an eye for opportunity at the top level. In what could be his final game of international football (with Europe folding and no Maltese team), Magro will want to make an impression.
Prediction: New Zealand by 20. The Kiwis, if they don't go in too cocky, should be too big and too strong for the Europeans.
