GIVEN THE IMPRESSIVE form of both sides, this weekend’s quarter-final clash between Ireland and Wales in Wellington could well prove crucial in determining the outcome of the World Cup.

That’s the view of South African prop forward Jannie Du Plessis, who’s been following the progress of the Six Nations sides at this year’s tournament with some interest.

Speaking to the Guardian’s Paul Rees, the 120-kilo prop explained how impressed he’d been with Ireland’s recent form:

“Ireland have been playing incredibly well… They have really stepped up and brilliant is the only word to describe them. Wales have also made a mark. They nearly beat us in the opening group game and any side that puts 66 points on Fiji commands respect. It is going to be some game between them on Saturday.”

Though he accepted Saturday’s match could swing either way, Du Plessis said he suspects it will be Ireland who will progress to the semi-finals and, ultimately, the final, if only because they’ve “shown that they can win big games in recent years”.

Du Plessis’s Springboks side will face Tri-Nations rivals Australia on Sunday.

Read more from Du Plessis in the Guardian>

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