Kiwis vs Scotland

The Basics 

The Kiwis haven't finalised their top team, but have named a squad that features plenty of power and play making ability. Interesting to see Kevin Locke get the start at fullback, but look for Josh Hoffman to regain this jersey in the semi/final. Scotland won't be able to compete with the go forward of the Kiwis along with Isaac Luke who has been fantastic. The Scots will be able to compete with the Kiwis in spirit and determination though and expect them to be waiting for any opportunity where the Kiwis might slip up.

Key men 

The Braveheart's have possibly the most under rated halves pair in the World Cup with Danny Brough and Peter Wallace forming a dynamic combination. These two could put the Kiwis under pressure with their kicking game and force the Kiwis to come out of their corners allowing for the passion and determination of the Scots to kick in. It'll be interesting to see how well these two can do behind a pack which will struggle.

Simon Mannering is huge for whatever team he plays for. For the Kiwis, he's playing in the middle, doing a lot of dirty work and is pretty much playing how Jeremy Smith would. Mannering is the key because he is the leader. He's the man who sets the tone for the Kiwis and if he gets off to a strong, physical start, expect the Kiwi lads to follow suit.

Upset rating 

1.5/5 - Can't see too many issues here for the Kiwis. They could find themselves up shit's creek if they invite Scotland in to the game with penalties and mistakes.

Australia vs USA

The Basics  

I might as well repeat my blurb above from the Kiwis vs Scotland game. The Kangaroos should dispatch the Americans pretty easily with their spine being too dominant. What's interesting for me is that I don't think the Kangaroos forward pack will scare anyone, especially a USA team who are riding a wave of momentum

Key Men

Jospeh Paulo is the man for the States who could break the Kangaroos down. If the USA forward pack can hold their own, Paulo has all the tricks to trouble a Kangaroos defence which hasn't really been tested.

James Tamou and Matt Scott need to start rolling through teams the same way that the Kiwi props are. The Americans will come out with plenty of enthusiasm and if they get any sense that they are getting up over the Aussie pack, they'll be out for blood. Tamou and Scott can take the wind out of the American's sails though if they are able to gain big metres and offload.

Upset Rating  

2/5 - The Americans could out guns a blaze and give their Australian opposition a run for their money. This all depends on who is more aggressive, enthusiastic and controlled upfront. If they Aussies can absorb the first wave of American attack, see ya later.

England vs France

The Basics

This could either be a rout or a very tough battle. The French haven't shown too much that makes you think that they could pose a threat to the English. Both packs are gritty lads who enjoy mixing it up but the difference will lie with the play makers. England have Sam Tomkins and Gareth Widdop who will provide the French with plenty of headaches, but if the French can get under the skin of the English half the battle will be won.

Key Man

Sam Burgess loves the tough stuff so expect him to be front and centre right from the whistle. The only way the French are going to win is if the dominate the Poms physically, Burgess will have to ensure that this doesn't happen. He'll also have to rally his troops and bring together a group which has been disjointed to say the least.

Upset Rating

3/5 I think the French could have a pretty good shot here, they have some nifty play makers who haven't shown much but could be the catalyst for a huge upset. I don't think we've seen the best or worst of the English so who knows what they're gonna throw up.

Samoa vs Fiji 

(this was written by Chief Biggums who is a lovely Polynesian chap, for all you who might have thought that "islanders smashing islanders" is a bit racist.)

The Basics 

The most anticipated quarter final match to be honest, not because its bearing on the way the rest of the finals will pan out, but for pure and simple entertainment value - islanders smashing islanders. The game will be decided by a coin toss. Both teams are full of quality NRL superstars and the contest could be won all over the park - big forwards, dynamic backs as well as a handful of nifty little men throughout the sides. It's expected that both teams will chance their arm, regardless of the score but the team who can keep their cool and do the basics right will progress to the semis.

Key Men 

For Samoa, Anthony Milford provides their biggest x-factor. He leads the world cup in tackle busts with 24, but has enough pace and nous to benefit off of a dominant forward pack performance. If Samoa can get one up in the forwards department, Milford will provide plenty of headaches for the Fijians.

For Fiji, any player in their backline could bust the game wide open with a length of the field try. Kevin Naiqama seems the most likely to get that started though. His work at fullback has been sound for the Fijians this tournament, and if he is able to punch a hole in the Samoan defensive line, he'll have support runners either side of him to ensure Fiji gets on the board.

Upset Rating

Equal pegging - Who ever capitalizes the most on the opportunities they get, should take the game. There will be plenty of highlights for both sides, but only one team can move onto the semi finals and either team is capable of doing so.