- New Zealand qualified for the final of the Rugby World Cup held in France after defeating Argentina 44-6.
- The All Blacks manage 7 tries at the Stade de France, while the Pumas never find their way into the opposite end zone.
- South Africa, the defending champion, will meet England in the second semi-final match on Saturday.
Argentina’s hopes of a comeback came to an abrupt halt just three minutes into the second half. Aaron Smith caught the ball after a huddle and carried it into the end zone with a stunning solo run. After the converted ‘conversion’ kick the score was 27:6 to the New Zealanders.
If there is still a glimmer of hope at that point, it is extinguished no later than 6 turns of the hand. Shannon Frizzell then found another hole in the opposition’s back line. The winger made the score 32:6 on his second ‘attempt’ of the evening.
This was the fifth final appearance in the All Blacks’ history. The New Zealanders were able to replace some of their key players with over 20 minutes remaining and rest them for the final. Meanwhile, Argentina were unable to find their way into the opponent’s end zone in the final stretch either. On the contrary: winger Will Jordan hit two more tries and eventually became the match-winner.
Argentina equalized in the first half
The All Blacks had already taken a clear lead at half-time. Jordan saved an early Argentine penalty kick in the first attempt of the match. Shortly afterwards, Jordie Barrett increased the score to 12:3 with the next try. Both times, the disorganized Argentine defense was easy to penetrate.
After successfully converting penalties from both sides, the New Zealanders landed the Pumas their first stab in the back with their last shot of the half. Frizzell carried the ball into the end zone to make it 20:6 after Mark Tilia impressively worked his way through the Argentine defensive line. It was the initial decision in a match that was scheduled to develop into a New Zealand match in the second half.
And this is how it continues
The All Blacks’ final opponents between South Africa and England will be decided on Saturday before the Rugby World Cup final takes place on October 28. You can follow both games live on SRF.
“Creator. Troublemaker. Reader. Tv nerd. Proud beer advocate. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Introvert. Certified zombie practitioner. Thinker.”
More Stories
Jordan Sancho completed 12 dribbles against Paris Saint-Germain in Messi style
BVB defeats Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the semi-final
Formula 1: After the departure of Haas – the consequences for Hulkenberg?