Scott Quinnell believes that a quiet belief in their abilities will see Wales to their first World Cup final.
Wales will handle all the pressure thrown at them, says Quinnell
The quarter-final between Wales and Ireland was a fantastic game of rugby and both sides played their part in a highly-entertaining match.
The result came down to the facts that Wales were very clinical and had a wonderful defence. There are not that many sides in the world who can stop both Stephen Ferris and Sean O'Brien in their tracks but that is exactly what Wales did.
Ireland will no doubt rue the fact that they decided to kick for the corner and not take the points on offer in several instances. It backfired on them as Wales held them off. I am not sure it would have made that much of a difference but points on the board, especially early on, can really change a team's mind-set.
More needed from Wales
Wales now meet France in the semi-finals and as good as their performance was against Ireland, this is going to have to be even better.
I have always said that France have one big game in them in the tournament and I am not convinced that we saw it against England! France did not have to play particularly well as it was a poor display from England. I am hoping - as a Wales fan - that France think that the hard work is done and go back to type. Wales will not want to meet the French bully boys which we saw a little bit against England last week, they would prefer if Les Bleus went back to what they know - throwing the ball around and playing running rugby. If they do that then I think they will play into Welsh hands.
Scott's backing Wales to beat France on Saturday at 4/6 with Sky Bet
There is a massive belief in the Welsh camp, an air of confidence that stems from their performances. They trust in their ability to defend and in their ability to take their scoring opportunities when they arrive.
The young players in the squad are really buzzing and the older heads are reacting to that enthusiasm. Jamie Roberts - an old head at 24 - is getting over the gain line from first-phase ball and Mike Phillips is controlling around the breakdown.
Trouble up front
The set-piece is going to be a very big challenge for Wales - they did well against South Africa and the group was very physical. Wales are battle-hardened and the likes of Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins have got some games under their belt. France love the forward battle and take pride in their scrum. Nicolas Mas, William Servat and Jean-Baptiste Poux make a formidable front row and lock Lionel Nallet and flanker Julien Bonnaire have been very impressive in the lineout.
A lot has been written about the trouble that France have had in their camp and it will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure. The occasion of a World Cup semi-final means that the pressure does not always come from your opponents - it can come from yourself. France have not been great under this sort of pressure but I think that Wales have risen to the challenges that they have set themselves. They have been great on and off the field and have shown that they are a truly professional outfit.
Losing Rhys Priestland is a huge blow for Wales but if you want anyone to step into his shoes then it is James Hook. Hook is a superb player and I cannot see the team being disrupted by his inclusion at all. He is a very experienced player and will get the best out of his backline.
Scott's predictions
If the France of two weeks ago turn up then I think it will be a win for Wales but if it is the best the French can offer against the best the Welsh can offer then it is going to be another great game of rugby and
I have got to take Wales by five points. I expect Wales to start quickly again and to get on the scoreboard first with a penalty.
Who knows what the quarter-final game between Australia and South Africa took out of the Wallabies? It was a monster of a game and the way Australia defended was heroic. We are hearing that Richie McCaw is suffering from a leg injury; will that allow David Pocock to get the better of him at the all-important breakdown?
Scott's tipping New Zealand to beat Australia by between 1-5 points at 5/1 with Sky Bet
New Zeland are without Dan Carter and have also lost the experience of Mils Muliaina. This is a game that New Zealand will approach with great caution.
New Zealand have not been under any sort of pressure all tournament and Australia are just the type of side who may put 25 years of hurt at Eden Park behind them and steal a win by three points.
