Rugby World Cup 2023: Who has qualified for the quarter-finals? How do things stand in each pool?
After three blistering weekends of pool stage action, the Rugby World Cup knockout match-ups are yet to be determined.
However, as things stand, none of those sides are yet guaranteed a place in the last eight, let alone top spot in their respective pools.
With some teams having one game remaining and others facing another two, numerous opportunities for wins and bonus points are still up for grabs.
When it comes down to who needs what, things soon get complicated. Very complicated.
So how do things stand going into the final fortnight of a gripping pool stage?
Who has qualified for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals?
Wales are the only team who have booked a quarter-final place so far.
Fiji, currently second, could still mathematically knock the Welsh off top spot, but that looks unlikely – a win for Wales in their final Pool C game against Georgia will see them clinch first place.
Who could qualify from Pool A?
France and New Zealand are huge favourites to progress for good reason, but Italy sit in second place and still harbour hopes of causing a massive shock in their final two games.
France are top with 13 points after three games, with Italy and the All Blacks behind them on 10 and five points respectively, and Uruguay and Namibia pointless.
The Azzurri are aiming for a sensational upset when they face the All Blacks on Friday, as a win there would eliminate the three-time champions and set up a winner-takes-all battle for first place against Les Bleus in Lyon.
Bonus points ensure that the permutations are still endless at this stage, but there is little room for error for New Zealand.
Remaining Pool A fixtures
- September 27: Uruguay v Namibia
- September 29: New Zealand v Italy
- October 5: New Zealand v Uruguay
- October 6: France v Italy
Who could qualify from Pool B?
The so-called ‘Pool of Death’ is where things get complicated. Three teams – Ireland, South Africa and Scotland – still have a decent shout of progressing, although Tonga mathematically do too.
Ireland are in pole position, sitting top with 14 points, but they aren’t safe yet.
If Scotland get the expected bonus-point win over Romania in their next game, that will take them to 10 points and set up a mouth-watering final-day clash with Ireland in Paris on October 7.
South Africa are on 10 points and face Tonga in their final game – a bonus-point win should be enough for the Springboks, but the picture will become clearer towards the final weekend with many permutations in play for now.
Remaining Pool B fixtures
- September 30: Scotland v Romania
- October 1: South Africa v Tonga
- October 7: Ireland v Scotland
- October 8: Tonga v Romania
Who could qualify from Pool C?
Wales are through and would only sacrifice top spot if they lose to Georgia, and Fiji earn two wins – at least one with a BP – against Georgia and Portugal.
The Fijians are in a good position to reach their first World Cup quarter-final since the tournament was last held in France in 2007 thanks to their thrilling win over two-time champions Australia.
But they still need to get through their final two games and rule out any hope for Georgia or Portugal, who still have a mathematical route to the last eight.
Australia are on the brink of an exit and will need to beat Portugal and have other results go their way if Eddie Jones’ side are to somehow escape the group stage after back-to-back defeats.
Remaining Pool C fixtures
- September 30: Fiji v Georgia
- October 1: Australia v Portugal
- October 7: Wales v Georgia
- October 8: Fiji v Portugal
Who could qualify from Pool D?
England are almost there, sitting top with 14 points, nine clear of Samoa and Japan.
Any win, or even a losing bonus point, will do for Steve Borthwick’s side to finish as pool winners when they face Samoa on October 7.
The battle for second place is set for a thrilling conclusion, with Samoa, Japan and Argentina all eyeing the runners-up berth.
On paper, world No. 9 side the Pumas look the likeliest contenders, with matches against Chile and Japan to come – although their final-day clash with the Brave Blossoms could end up being a straight shoot-out for a quarter-final place if Japan beat Samoa in their next game.
Remaining Pool D fixtures
- September 28: Japan v Samoa
- September 30: Argentina v Chile
- October 7: England v Samoa
- October 8: Japan v Argentina
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