Ireland rugby fan John in Paris for Rugby World Cup 2023. Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
The four best teams at the World Cup are on one side of the draw and only two of them can progress past this weekend's quarter-finals, but which pair will it be?
France, the All Blacks, Ireland and South Africa have advanced from Pool A and B to the last eight, with most pundits expecting one of those sides to be holding the William Webb Ellis Cup aloft at the end of the tournament.
Rugby reporter Joe Porter is in Paris and took to the streets to find out who fans think will go all the way.
Ireland fans were in full noise belting out the Cranberries song "Zombie" following their win over Scotland, which sealed their place at the top of Pool A and set up a last eight showdown with the All Blacks in Paris.
The Irish are now favourites to win the World Cup, but they've never made it past the quarter-finals, let alone won the title.
So can they do what they've never done before?
Irish rugby fan Phil and friends in Paris for Rugby World Cup 2023. Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Irish fan Phil believes they can, but he's wary of an All Blacks team who've somewhat flown under the radar.
"It's knockout rugby now and New Zealand are a savage team. I know they're probably not as good as they were a few years ago, but anything can happen.
"I think we can do it, but it's going to be a tough game. I think we will do it (Ireland win) though, yeah."
Fellow Irishman John isn't quite so confident.
"50-50? I don't know it's a hard one to call."
"The fact that Ireland have never made it past the quarter-finals makes me nervous. I'm sure there's huge pressure. It's different for the All Blacks, they've been there before. As a lot of Irish people say, you can never write off the All Blacks.
"Ireland have to make history to win, so there's a lot of pressure.
"If they are going to win the World Cup this is their best chance. This is it, it's either now or never."
All Blacks fans Hannah and Conway in Paris for Rugby World Cup 2023. Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
An opening match defeat to France dented the belief of many All Blacks fans, though after three big wins over Namibia, Italy and Uruguay, has their confidence rebounded?
Hawkes Bay's Conway isn't totally convinced, but Hannah is bullish about New Zealand's chances of progressing to the final four.
"I actually don't know what's going to happen, I'm just not sure," said Conway.
"I think we'll win. I think we've got this. We hired bikes when we were in Bonne and the Frenchman there said he thinks the All Blacks will win all of it, and that's coming from a Frenchman haha, so I think we've got this."
Springbok rugby fans Stephan and family in Paris for Rugby World Cup 2023. Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
The Springboks take on France in the other quarter-final from Pool A and B, with England playing Fiji and Wales taking on Argentina in the remaining last eight matchups.
South Africa fan Stephan believes the Boks fear no-one and is confident they can get past the hosts.
"Yeah, if they turn up on the day the Springboks can beat anybody."
Does he think South Africa's fiercest rival, the All Blacks, can tip over the Irish?
"The All Blacks are going to turn up. It's going to be a cracker. They're going to turn up for sure."
It hasn't been the easiest tournament to enjoy for Scottish fan Ally.
"Being a Scotsman living in Australia it's not been a good World Cup at all," he joked.
Scotland rugby fan Ali with his family in Paris for Rugby World Cup 2023. Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
And like many, Ally believes one of the four teams from Pool A or B will take out the title.
"The finalists are going to come from one side of the draw aren't they. I reckon the winner is going to come from a final between New Zealand and France, that's my tip."
Does he think Ireland can claim their maiden World Cup title?
"I hope not! Not for the Irish fans who were sitting around me in the Stadium on the weekend. Arrogant bunch. Hopefully New Zealand can do them."
While fans appear divided over who will win the World Cup they all agree on one thing, you can't count the All Blacks out, even if they're not the overwhelming force they once were.
