Image source, Reuters

And then there were four...

Japan bow out, but can hold their heads high after bringing this World Cup to life both on and off the pitch. What a host nation they have been.

For South Africa, it's back to work ahead of a massive semi-final clash with Wales next Sunday.

And then there's just the small matter of England against New Zealand on Saturday.

We'll have you covered across the board in the build-up this week and of course throughout both games next weekend.

Until then...

Image source, Reuters

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC Radio 5 Live

Japan pushed South Africa all the way, they just couldn't convert, but if Wales are able to force themselves on South Africa like Japan did, they'd be able to take a lot of those opportunities.

What a phenomenal weekend of rugby it's been at the World Cup, here's some of the fallout from the quarter-finals to keep you busy...

• Wales beat France by one point in thriller
• Michael Cheika to quit as Australia coach
• Schmidt's Ireland legacy not tainted by defeat
• The All Blacks challenge facing England

So next week's semi-finals will see England face New Zealand and Wales take on South Africa. Just a little bit tasty...

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC Radio 5 Live

I wouldn't argue [that England or New Zealand will be champions] but I think South Africa could cause problems - and somehow Wales are winning.

Image source, AFP

Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

Part of the tournament being here is to get layers of players coming through, to broaden the base. It’s a long term project, you can’t just click your fingers. But if they see some heroes in this team, somewhere in the future they may have more.

Japan sent their people around the world to learn how to do certain skills, they import the knowledge. They are growing their knowledge base and they are growing home grown coaches to take the game forward.

Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

Its there for all to see. They don't talk about 2015 any more, that's done and dusted. They've moved their game on again and they've gone one better, they've beaten two tier-one nations on their way and justifiably beat both those sides with the excellence of their play.

Getting into the quarter-final and to world number six on the way is an excellent achievement.

South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard: "We stuck to it for 80 minutes, the first half the yellow card killed us. We still managed to go in with the lead and knew if we kept being able to impose ourselves physically eventually they would break.

"We knew if we kept hammering away the points would come. It's always tough playing the host nation, the boys handled that well, but it's back to the drawing board on Monday."

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think it's a really good call to bring Japan into top flight rugby and bring them on like they did with Italy in the Six Nations.

Japan coach Jamie Joseph on BBC Radio 5 Live: "At half-time, the guys were a little bit down, there have been a few niggles in the group. I am so proud of my team, the courage and the tenacity and I take my hat off to the team. And I take my hat off to the fans, they have been marvellous.

"We are proud with what we have achieved, we will accept that but I am disappointed for the players because they have given so much to the country and the World Cup."

Image source, Getty Images

Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

There are gaps in market all over. Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown have these players drilled to within an inch of their lives.

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC Radio 5 Live

They have a lot of young blood in there, but Leitch has been outstanding, a great ambassador for rugby and for the country in the way he holds himself and everything he does.

Japan captain Michael Leitch on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Rugby is all about creating moments and taking opportunities. We had a few opportunities to capitalise on but unfortunately South Africa kicked us out.

"Congratulations to the South African team, they played their A game and played it very well, so I wish them all the best of luck in the rest of their games.

"I'm extremely proud of what this team have done. To represent Asia and the two tier countries, I'm sure they'll be proud of us as well. Japan is only going to get stronger."

Image source, Getty Images

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi: "It was exactly what I expected, we knew what they were going to bring today and they set the battle throughout the whole week - it took a lot out of us to keep on fighting.

"We fought and ground it out, we played in front of this beautiful crowd and you guys should really be proud of your team.

"We knew how fast they can play the game, they play a style that is fearless and didn't shy away from it today. We pride ourselves in hard work in defence."

Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

Around 250,0000 Japan rugby shirts sold, over 50m watching, it’s an extraordinary number. It’s a magnificent country to visit, everyone is polite and welcoming and the team represented them so well. A delight to watch, it relies on team work, no one is left behind – that’s why they got so far.

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think Japan will be disappointed that they weren't efficient with the ball in the first half. They had lots of opportunity to get into the 22 but didn't make the most of it. South Africa showed patience and resolve to stay with their game plan and use that power.

Image source, Reuters