New Zealand lived up to their role as favorites in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup. Thanks to a never-threatened 44:6 (20:6) in the Stade de France against Argentina, the All Blacks moved into the final on Friday evening (October 20th, 2023). It was the highest World Cup semi-final victory since the first edition in 1987. The opponents are then world champions South Africa or England.
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.
“All Blacks” reach for title number four
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.
In the second semi-final on Saturday (9 p.m.) in the new edition of the last World Cup final, the South African defending champions will fight against England for the second final ticket. The final will take place on October 28th.