Being as we've been talking about injuries this morning - what else is there to talk about? - in other news, key Australian duo David Pocock and Israel Folau have failed to overcome injuries in time to face Scotland on Sunday. 

Does that make life a little easier for the Scots? Yes. Does that now make the Scots favourites? I suspect not. 

That's the end of my news in brief. I thank you. 

Image source, Getty Images

Has an English Knight decided to switch his allegiances?

Scrum V presenter Rick O'Shea, a Welshman, making reference to England's absence from the latter stages of this tournament... Will he ever tire of it? Probably not. 

Dear South Africa fans, is it too soon to mention Japan? Sorry if so, but needs must and all that. 

Japan's sensational victory over South Africa was the biggest shock in World Cup history. Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer even had a government minister criticise him for turning the team into “a bunch of losers” - which might make Stuart Lancaster feel a bit better about things...

But the Springboks recovered to top their pool and so too has Meyer and his reputation, just about. 

"I cried probably for 24 hours,” was Meyer's response this week when asked about that defeat by the Brave Blossoms, before thankfully adding: “I’m just joking.” 

Image source, Getty Images

As we've already alluded to, the first match of this charming weekend of rugby is an anticipated bone-crunching bloodbath between South Africa and Wales. 

One team made the worst possible start to this tournament, suffering a defeat which had the coach apologising to a nation for the failings of his team, but they're now starting to fulfill their potential, at least.  

The other team barely has enough fit men to fill the side's ever-increasing vacant backline positions. So ravaged are Wales by injuries that no-one would complain were the stretcher-bearers to threaten strike action.

Ireland's management have reported that a further scan on Johnny Sexton had shown a "very minor adductor strain".

The Leinster-bound fly-half had been a fitness doubt after limping off with a groin injury during the first half of the Pool D win over France in Cardiff last weekend.  

Ireland, of course, are already without their great leader Paul O'Connell because of injury and the suspended Sean O'Brien. 

Is that the sound of Argentina growing in confidence we hear? (If growing confidence makes a sound, which I very much doubt it does.)

Image source, Getty Images

There's some breaking news to tell you about before we get into the nitty-gritty of this afternoon's quarter-final between South Africa and Wales. 

And if there are Ireland fans out there who don't think they can take any more bad news, it's probably best you look away now because influential outside-half Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Sunday's last eight tie with Argentina. 

The 30-year-old had been named in Joe Schmidt's team on Friday but was withdrawn this morning because of a groin injury, with Ian Madigan taking his place. 

Image source, Getty Images

The quarter-final stages of the Rugby World Cup are upon us. (Yes, you may shout hurrah.) 

Those who have reached the knockout stages have been bashed and bruised but, thankfully for us, they're growling for more. 

Welcome to the last eight Argentina, Australia, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales. What have you in store for us? 

Image source, Getty Images

For eight there is still hope, still a chance of those childhood fantasies of World Cup glory becoming a reality. But not every dreamer becomes a world beater. 

One mistake, one wrong turn could be lethal. Defeat a mortal blow to lifelong ambitions. 

Four will stagger and falter this weekend. There must be losers. But four will thrive and continue the journey towards greatness. 

Image source, Getty Images