Voice of London

As the Rugby World Cup reaches the quarter-Finals in Japan, it’s time to get your weekend in order to guarantee you don’t miss any of the action.

How did we get here?

The teams have been competing against each other in four pools for the past month, but now the top two teams in each group have made it to the last eight.

Due to Typhoon Hagibis, three matches were cancelled, but each team received two points to reflect the outcome of a draw.

 

 

 

 

So who is playing who?

How have the teams performed previously in the Rugby World Cup?

Only four teams have lifted the trophy since the tournament began in 1987, with all of them reaching this year’s quarter-finals.

Defending champions New Zealand are the most successful, winning the first ever World Cup before regaining the title in 2011 and defending it in 2015. They will play Ireland, who are no stranger to the quarter-finals, reaching the last eight six times.

Australia have reached the final four times, but have only won twice, losing against England in 2003 when the Lions became champions for the first and only time. With these two teams going head to head on Saturday, this match is certainly not to be missed.

South Africa have also been crowned champions on two occasions, most recently in 2007, which is also the last time they made the final. Their match against hosts Japan—who have never made it to the knockout stages before—is also one to watch.

Wales have reached the semi-finals twice in 1987 and 2011, and are hoping to get there again as they take on France in the last quarter-final on Sunday, but it will be a tough match as France have been runners-up in the competition on three occasions.

When can we watch the matches?

Saturday:

England v Australia – 8:15am BST

New Zealand v Ireland – 11:15 am BST

Sunday:

Wales v France – 8:15am BST

Japan v South Africa – 11:15am BST

Where are they being played?

Saturday and Sunday’s opening matches are taking place in Oita, while the second matches of each day are hosted in Tokyo.

How can I watch the matches?

ITV have been broadcasting the World Cup matches from Japan, with their coverage starting at 7:30am on Saturday and Sunday.

And despite all the matches having early starts for UK fans, many pubs and bars have been opening their doors early. Find some of the best places to watch the quarter-finals here.

You can also listen to coverage of the matches through BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Live Sports Extra, and on the BBC Sport website and app.

Words: Alysia Georgiades | Subbing: Max Stott | Graphics: Alysia Georgiades | Featured Image: Thomas Serer