Now that some of the pain has slightly disappeared after the Japan inflicted enormous embarrassment on the Spingboks, their coaches and fans, let us look ahead.
It could be a blessing in disguise if the Boks end second in their pool.
They will thus not go the All Black route to a possible Final.
However, they will play either the winner oe second-place finisher in the pool of death - England, Wallabies or Wales.
AussieBoer still believes the Boks will win their pool, as they will beat Samoa, Scotland and the United States.
I, however, don't think the Boks will go further than the semifinal; that is if they do actually win their quarter final.
Thus, AussieBoer predicts an All Black vs England Final.
We know the All Blacks have only won the Webb Ellis Cup twice, both at home.
They have never reached a Final in the Northern Hemisphere.
AussieBoer believes that this time the All Blacks are experienced and good enough to go all the way - unless the French ends up second in Pool D (Ireland first) and become the All Blacks' quarterfinal rivals.
Man oh man, I guess all other nations hope for this and that the French can make the All Blacks choke again.
It is possible!
I back England to make the Final if they end on top of Pool A.
Whoever ends on top of Pool A will probably play in the Final, with an easier draw - not facing the All Blacks on the path.
Why England? Simply due to home ground advantage.
Except for France and Wales, every other host nation have made it to the Final at least - 1987 it was New Zealand, 1991 it was England, 1995 it was South Africa, 2003 it was Australia and 2011 New Zealand.
The Boks' record in World Cups against England is 3-1. The Boks' record against Wallabies, 1-2 and against the All Blacks 2-1.
The Wallabies have won both their World Cups in the Northern Hemisphere and lead the All Blacks 2-1 at World Cups.
Ireland have their best possible chance.
However, any injuries might put enormous pressure on them and if they end second in their pool, they will need 'the luck of the Irish' to beat the Boks and then the All Blacks to make the Final.
The French is not good enough to win all their games, but, they will upset for sure in a game or two.
Who do you think will play in the Final?
AussieBoer (Kevin D)
@rugby365com
