In the World Cup semis, ‘bomb squad’ rugby wins the day
The Rugby World Cup semi-finals were meant to be blowouts, with New Zealand and South Africa cruising into the final. And while those heavy favourites did ultimately make it, these were two dramatically different matches that could have big implications for next weekend’s title clash.
At the Stade de France in Paris on Friday night New Zealand crushed Argentina 44-6 in a ruthless display of power, discipline and cracking counterattacks that spoke of a team tuned to something close to perfection. For Argentina, there would be no 2020 or 2022-style upset as they were comprehensively outclassed seven tries to nothing.
Handre Pollard of South Africa kicks the winning penalty goal. Getty
For Argentina, it was ominous from the start. There was no drowning out of the Haka by the Argentinian supporters, in contrast to the Irish mayhem the previous week. Maybe the Puma fans sensed the storm about to engulf their team.
Despite this Argentina started strongly, playing with ball in hand and sending multiple runners across the advantage line. Emiliano Boffelli’s boot put Argentina ahead, after an All Black off the ball tackle.
Argentina had a sniff but then the penalties just kept on coming for the All Blacks. Australian referee Angus Gardner blew four straight to put the All Blacks on the front-foot, and after 11 minutes superstar wing Will Jordan scored the first of his three tries.
From that point on, the All Blacks cranked up the pressure, simply running the Pumas off their feet. Man-of-the match Jordie Barrett stepped up next for a brilliant try in a 75-metre counterattack featuring the wizardry of flyhalf Richie Mo’unga.
Remarkably, it took 28 minutes before the first scrum was packed. Argentina won clean ball, attacking the
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