Fine spring forecast for weekend's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

Photo / Dean Purcell

The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals will be played in mostly fine weather, though goalkickers might have to compete with a stiff breeze.

The "stubborn" weather system that brought thunderstorms to the North Island earlier in the week is expected to move further into the Tasman Sea today, leaving fine weather in Auckland and a southwest breeze.

MetService forecaster Dan Corbett said air temperatures were slowly increasing after cool, showery weather.

"It's still a bit of a spring roller-coaster ride, but [this weekend] Idon't think the players will see therain going sideways nor peoplein the stands bundled up."

Wellington will have showery periods tomorrow morning, but these are expected to clear for the evening's match between Ireland and Wales.

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"For the match at Wellington Stadium, it will be improving but there'll be quite a keen southerly and the winds will still be gusting up to 40 or 50km/h. It'll only get up to about 8C or 9C, but it's Ireland and Wales, so they'll enjoy that temperature."

The England and France match in Auckland will see mostly clear skies and a slight breeze at Eden Park.

Conditions are expected to remain fine on Sunday, and the South Africa-Australia match is likely to be played in ideal conditions - clear skies, light wind and a mild air temperature.

Mr Corbett said the weather would be settled at the All Blacks' match against Argentina, but there was a slight chance of a shower from theeast.

The first day of school holidays on Monday is forecast to be dogged by rain.

Outlook for Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

Saturday:
* Ireland v Wales, Wellington Regional Stadium, 6pm. Fine spells increasing, southerlies easing. 10C.
* England v France, Eden Park, 8.30pm. Fine. Southwest breezes. 12C.

Sunday:
* South Africa v Australia, Wellington Regional Stadium, 6pm. Fine. Light winds. 14C.
* NZ v Argentina, Eden Park, 8.30pm. Fine spells, chance of a shower. Easterlies. 14C.