The Rugby World Cup really hots up this weekend with the quarter finals taking place.

Here are my predictions.

South Africa v Wales, Saturday, 4pm, Twickenham

South Africa didn’t start the competition well and suffered a shock defeat to Japan in their opening game. But since then they’ve recovered well and put 64 points on USA, who aren’t a bad side, in their last game.

Being honest, South Africa’s pool wasn’t the most difficult and I think that’s going to help them in this game.

In contrast, Wales have already had three really tough matches having already had to play England, Fiji and Australia.

Wales also have some injury problems and I think it’s going to be difficult for them this weekend.

Verdict: South Africa win

New Zealand v France, Saturday, 8pm, Millennium Stadium

France haven’t really got going in this World Cup just yet. But they’re real mavericks and you can never really be sure of how they’re going to play.

I had a spell playing out in France myself so I know what they’re capable of and they’re definitely able to get under the skins of the All Blacks.

They’ve had some success against them in the past and this game will be a repeat of the 2011 final which France narrowly lost.

They will be fired up to get their own back this weekend but I’m not sure it’s going to happen.

Verdict: New Zealand win Ireland v Argentina, Sunday, 1pm, Millennium Stadium Up until six days ago, I would have tipped Ireland to win this and maybe even the whole competition as well.

They had a great Six Nations and are in the habit of winning matches.

But Paul O’Connell is now out and so too is Peter O’Mahony while Johnny Sexton is also doubtful with a hamstring injury.

In total, I think Ireland could well be without five of their talisman and it’s going to be tough for them now.

Argentina aren’t a bad side either. They’re ranked sixth in the world, above France and England and I think they could be a shock in this game.

Verdict: Argentina win

Australia v Scotland, Sunday, 4pm, Twickenham

I think this will be the more straight-forward of the quarter-finals.

Everyone heaped praise on Scotland for the way they beat Japan but for me Japan had been wiped out by how hard they had worked to beat South Africa.

In contrast, Australia have been playing really well.

Their defence has been fantastic and they’ve been excellent in the break-down as well so I think this will be a hefty win for them.

Verdict: Australia win

STUART LANCASTER'S TIME IS UP IN TIME OF ENGLAND

SINCE my column, England finished their World Cup campaign by beating Uruguay.

But, in my opinion, the team selection for that game was the final nail in the coffin of Stuart Lancaster.

We had Sam Burgess suddenly out of the squad, Owen Farrell at 12, George Ford at 10 and Jonathan Joseph on the bench.

I know he wanted to give people game time but it should’ve been the start of a new era for him and that wasn’t possible with that side.

Plenty of people will keen to replace him but my vote would be Eddie Jones.

He’s done well with Japan, he got Australia to a World Cup final and he also helped South Africa win it in 2007.

I also played for him at Saracens for a couple of seasons and he’s a fantastic coach who I’m sure would be successful.