Shaun Goosen highlights a few talking points from this weekend’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
All Blacks smack Argentina
New Zealand were fantastic in their seven-try 44-6 thumping of Argentina on Friday and will ride a wave of momentum into this weekend’s final. Ian Foster’s men were in control from minute one and proceeded to cut the South Americans to ribbons, with ace winger Will Jordan bagging a hattrick and equalling Jonah Lomu (1999), Bryan Habana (2007) and Julian Savea’s (2015) eight-try record at a single World Cup. Ahead of the decider against South Africa, there’s a good case for the Kiwis to be called favourites.
The Pumas were far from the best side at the World Cup but did have their moments, particularly in the second-half of their quarterfinal with Wales. They now have a shot at matching their best ever finish at the global showpiece by following the class of ’07 and claiming bronze.
Will Jordan is unstoppable 💪#RWC2023 | #ARGvNZL pic.twitter.com/6pcFzyTpsc
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 20, 2023
Lacklustre Boks leave it late against England
South Africa produced their worst performance of the year against England on Saturday and were lucky to ultimately come away with a 16-15 win.
Many of the side’s big names were flat on the night, with fatigue a possible contributing factor, while the likes of Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes and Freddie Steward were fantastic for the underdogs. Farrell in particular gave a timely reminder of his enduring class and his drop goal on 52 minutes may have sunk a lesser team.
Thankfully though, SA replacements Ox Nche, Handre Pollard, Deon Fourie and more came to the rescue and got their side over the line.
Final to end all finals awaits.
Bottle.#ENGvRSA | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/GO1KjR11js
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 22, 2023
The final to end all finals awaits
This weekend will be the second time in World Cup history that the two most successful rugby nations on the planet duke it out in the Grand Final. South Africa and New Zealand famously met in 1995, with the former claiming what would be the first of their three titles before adding crowns in 2007 and 2019. The All Blacks (1987, 2011 and 2015) are the only other country to have won as many.
Saturday’s finale provides Siya Kolisi’s men the chance to mimic Richie McCaw’s ABs and go back-to-back, while Sam Cane and his Kiwi outfit can shut their naysayers up for good by delivering another title to the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Whatever happens, it’s bound to be a humdinger.
Your 2023 finalists.#RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/hfOeMhqb7z
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 21, 2023
Team of the week
The All Blacks were ruthless in their 44-6 demolition of Argentina, with hattrick hero Will Jordan equalling the all-time try record at a single event (eight). Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock and Jordie Barrett were the other standouts for Ian Foster’s men, who never looked likely to come unstuck against the South Americans.
Meanwhile, a late fightback guided South Africa to a dramatic 16-15 win over England thanks to some more usual brilliance from the replacements bench, especially Ox Nche and Handre Pollard. The latter is unlucky not to make the cut but Owen Farrell was simply a giant for the Roses, whose back three of Freddie Steward, Jonny May and Elliot Daly were superb in nullifying the world champions’ kicking game.
No Argentines feature after what was a tough day at the office for them.
Check out our Rugby World Cup team of the semi-finals below.
1. Ox Nche (SA)
2. Codie Taylor (NZ)
3. Vincent Koch (SA)
4. RG Snyman (SA)
5. Sam Whitelock (NZ)
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
7. Deon Fourie (SA)
8. Ardie Savea (NZ)
9. Aaron Smith (NZ)
10. Owen Farrell (England)
11. Elliot Daly (England)
12. Jordie Barrett (NZ)
13. Rieko Ioane (NZ)
14. Jonny May (England)
15. Freddie Steward (England)
