Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Sion Morgan

When Wales' huge quarter final match will now be played, who they'll face and their road to the final

With victory over Fiji just secured Wales have not only avoided a potential banana skin but officially guaranteed themselves a Rugby World Cup quarter final place.

And, barring frankly unthinkable disaster against Uruguay, they should also find themselves topping the tournament's Pool D.

That means we now essentially know when and where Wales will play next. We have a decent idea who against, and even who they need to beat to pick up the Webb Ellis Cup on November 2.

This is all you need to know to plan next weekend around the rugby:

When is Wales' quarter final?

Sunday October 20 is the date to mark in your diaries. That is the day of the third World Cup quarter final between the winners of Pool D and runners up of Pool C.

Of course if Wales lose to Uruguay Australia could still top the group - if they have more bonus points than Wales.

But, at the risk of dismissing Uruguay, they have conceded 105 points in just three games - and were well beaten by Georgia.

Even a much changed Wales starting fifteen should be no match for a tired Uruguay.

What time will the Wales play their quarter final?

Set your alarm, because for a Sunday morning this is a relatively early one.

The third quarter final kicks off at 8.15am (that's 4.15pm if you're in Japan).

The full schedule for next weekend's four quarter finals are as follows:

Saturday, October 19, 8.15am, winner of Pool C v runner up Pool D.

Saturday, October 19, 11.15am, winner of Pool B v runner up Pool A.

Sunday, October 20, 8.15am, winner of Pool D v runner up Pool C.

Sunday, October 20, 11.15am, winner of Pool A v runner up Pool B.

What TV channel will the game be on?

All the knockout matches from now to the final are broadcast on both ITV and S4C.

Where will the game be played?

Regardless of where Wales finish in Pool D they will play their quarter final in Oita which hosts Wales' two possible quarter finals.

That is good news for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it's the same stadium where they played Fiji meaning they will be familiar with conditions and surroundings - unlike their opposition who will not have been to the city yet.

It also means less travelling for Wales. They play Uruguay in Kumamoto next, only some 80 miles for Oita.

Who will Wales play?

Wales look most likely to play France in the quarter-finals as things stand (PA)

This is the big unanswered question - not least because the weather could play a part.

It all comes down to Saturday's game between England and France. Both sides have already secured quarter final places but will battle it out for top spot.

The winner of that game is likely to play Australia and the loser likely to play Wales.

There has been some suggestion that England coach Eddie Jones will play a weakened side - preferring to finish second in the group for a perceived easier route to the final. But this is World Cup rugby and you can't see these top athletes giving anything but their all.

Given that France are seemingly in typical disarray England must be considered favourites on paper, making the French likely opponents for Wales.

However, Typhoon Hagibis is threatening to put a spanner in the works.

The game could yet be put back 24 hours and even moved. If it was cancelled altogether the match would be recorded as a 0-0 draw, meaning England definitely finish top of Pool C.

Who will Wales face if they win their quarter final?

Trevor Nyakane of South Africa and Rhys Patchell of Wales (Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)

We're getting into the dangerous territory here of getting ahead of ourselves, but here's how the rest of the tournament could look.

Both semi finals take place on the following weekend after the quarters and in theory a Wales semi final would take place on Sunday October 27 at 9am .

If Wales won their quarter final Wales would play the winner of quarter final four - Japan or Ireland v New Zealand or South Africa.

The likely opponent based on form would be South Africa (safely assuming New Zealand beat Italy in their final pool game).

If you follow that thinking the other semi final could see England or Australia play New Zealand or Japan/Ireland/Scotland.

Take your pick from that lot who you think will make the final!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.