Wales are ready to overcome their injury woes and march into the World Cup final this weekend, predicts a results simulator.
Warren Gatland has lost two key men during the week, Liam Williams and Josh Navidi, while Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes have each been hampered by other injury problems.
You can read our analysis of how Leigh Halfpenny can fill in for Liam here
But scientists who have pored over data for the semi-final clash with South Africa and fed it into a computer reckon Wales will still emerge with a narrow 23-18 triumph.
The other semi final between New Zealand and England has also been simulated, using a similar highly complex mathematical formula. The computer predicts Steve Hansen's world champions will edge another tight encounter, overcoming Eddie Jones' side 24-17.
If the predicted results were to come off, it would set up a mouthwatering Wales v New Zealand final in Yokohama next Saturday, with England and the Springboks meeting the day before in the third and fourth placed play-off.
And wouldn't it be incredible if Wales, who haven't beaten New Zealand in 30 games stretching back to 1953, finally ended six decades of hurt by finally overcoming them in a World Cup final?
The QBE Rugby Predictor computer has been forecasting results throughout the tournament, tipping Warren Gatland's side to win four out of four in Pool D and to also overcome France last weekend.
Mathematicians simulate games based upon 10 years of historical data, including how well each team has played in the past against opposition of similar ranking, as well as the success ratio for kickers, how teams fare home and away and even taking into account the international experience of the captains.
The computer successfully predicted the outcome of three of the quarter-finals, but had suggested England versus Australia might be a draw. As it is, England romped home by a 40-16 margin.
QBE say: "England defied the odds last weekend with a spectacular margin over the Wallabies, and could well repeat this performance on Saturday. As it stands though, the Supercomputer forecasts a final score of 17-24 to the All Blacks.
"Jubilant scenes are more likely in Wales with the Predictor forecasting a 23-18 victory over the Springboks, sending Wales to their first World Cup final.
"Each simulated match uses probabilities and random numbers to generate an outcome.
“This weekend’s fixtures are set to be a nail-biting affair, with the quarter-finals proving that the unlikely can happen, certainly when it comes to England.
"In a tournament of surprises, on and off the pitch, anything could happen this weekend. Wales and England need to go into their games prepared for anything and if they do that, we could well see an unprecedented Home Nations final.
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