The All Blacks from New Zealand reached the final of the Rugby World Cup in France after a show of force. The three-time title holder outclassed Argentina 44:6 (20:6) in the semi-final – it was the highest World Cup semi-final victory since the first edition in 1987, when New Zealand won against Wales 49:6. The final will take place on October 28th. The opponent is then world champions South Africa or England.
After losing their opening game against hosts France, the New Zealanders made an impressive comeback in the quarter-finals at the latest. In a thrilling duel against world number one Ireland, who had been unbeaten in 17 games, the “gods in black” secured their place in the semi-finals, where an impressive performance preserved their chance of winning their fourth World Cup title.
After falling behind early on, the New Zealanders turned up the heat and didn’t allow the Argentinians to develop, and the South Americans failed to score a try in the entire game. Even after the break, the superiority did not change; another attempt just 90 seconds after the restart meant a preliminary decision. Will Jordan finished the World Cup with his eighth try and became the first rugby player in history to score nine tries during a tournament in the final.
In the second semi-final on Saturday (9 p.m./ProSieben Maxx and ran.de) in the new edition of the last World Cup final, the South African defending champions will fight against England for the second final ticket.