New Zealand Rugby World Cup fixtures: Their possible route to the final

New Zealand will face Ireland in the quarter-finals later this month after winning their pool.

The All Blacks beat South Africa in their opener in what was effectively a shootout to determine the eventual pool winners. The Springboks progressed as runners-up behind New Zealand, with many tipping both to meet again in the Yokohama final next month.

New Zealand will face Pool A runners-up Ireland in their first knockout game. Scotland always looked like probable last eight opponents for the Kiwis, but that was before Japan tore up the form book to win the pool with four wins from four.

Victory in the last eight would see New Zealand through to a possible semi-final against England. Eddie Jones's men would need to win their quarter-final against Australia to reach that stage, but they will go in as favourites after winning all six of their most recent meetings with the Wallabies.

Safe progression would then see the All Blacks into a third straight final. South Africa, cast into the other side of the draw after the pool stage, would be the likely opponents, though a stern test against hosts Japan awaits the Springboks before a likely semi against Wales.

New Zealand's fixtures and possible route

*all times BST unless stated