Rugby World Cup

PREVIEW: RWC 2023 – Semi-final 1 – Argentina v New Zealand

New Zealand will be looking to book their fifth World Cup final appearance while Argentina go in search of their first with the two Rugby championship rivals squaring off in the first of this weekend’s semi-finals.

by
Darry Worthington
October 19, 2023

Paris is set for an epic Friday evening with a resurgent All Blacks side taking on an unpredictable Argentina side.

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Argentina v New Zealand
Friday 20 October
Stade de France

Argentina 7/1 | Draw 33/1 | New Zealand 1/20

The Kiwis reminded the watching world why they are such a dangerous proposition at World Cups with their four point win over the Irish in last Saturday’s quarter-final clash. The Kiwis had gone into the fixture as underdogs but produced the goods with stellar showings from Ardie Savea and young gun Will Jordan inspiring the side to a 28-24 win.

While the Kiwis impressed on attack, it was their defensive shift in the final quarter that really caught the eye as the black wall held against a sea of green. This was extremely encouraging for the Kiwis as defence was an area that cost them earlier in the tournament with the frailties being exposed in their opening round defeat to the French.

While New Zealand’s hard grafting win over the Irish was a small surprise, Argentina’s comfortable 17-29 victory over the Welsh was more of a shock. The Dragons had played some good rugby during the pool phase with Gatland ball back in full affect but Argentina managed to keep their nerve and come back from 10-points down just after the half hour mark to win the encounter by 12 points.

Los Pumas were inspired by starting pivot Santiago Carreras and then veteran replacement Nicholas Sanchez, whose intercept try just after 60-minutes put the Argentines in the driver’s seat and ultimately propelled them to Saturday’s date with the Kiwis, both playing crucial roles for the South Americans.

In terms of team news for this clash, New Zealand have made two changes to their run on side with Mark Telea coming in on the wing for Leicester Fainga’anuku, while Sam Whitelock comes into the side for Brodie Retallick, who drops to the bench.

Like their opponents, Argentina have kept their changes to a minimum with Gonzalo Bertranou starting at scrum-half ahead of Thomas Cubelli.

While Argentina have a few wins over New Zealand in recent years, I can’t see them causing the Kiwis any problems here. Los Pumas hadn’t looked great at the tournament prior to last weekend and I reckon it was more of a flash in the pan performance from them and that they will struggle here.