After a weekend full of some enticing rugby the Rugby World Cup will now enter the semi-finals stage on Friday and Saturday.
In the first quarter-final, Argentina saw off Wales. Even though Wales dominated the first half with the scoreboard going their way. They were 10-6 up during the break.
However, this didn’t stop Argentina from fighting back and bouncing in the second half. Argentina winger Boffeli Emiliano dominated with the tee slotting in five penalties. This was not enough to help them secure the win.
Tries from Scalevi and Sanchez was enough to bring their points to 29 against Wales’ 17.
The world number one and tournament favorite Ireland did not beat their jinx of going past the quarters in a World Cup tournament. With this being their best team and golden generation they hoped to break the jinx and go past quarters, however, this was not to come as New Zealand’s All Blacks came in their way and shuttered their dreams. In what was a match of a lifetime they lost by four points to All Blacks in a 28-24 score.
The host nation France had a good shoot of winning the World Cup but this was not to be as the defending champions South Africa denied them that by defeating them with a one-point lead. South Africa managed a 29-28 win against the hosts.
England saw off flying Fijians with a 30-24 win. English captain Owen Farrell once again dominated with kicking.
In the first semi, we will have to see a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final. England will face off with defending champions South Africa. England will be out to win against South Africa, however, South Africa will be seeking to defend their title and win a back-to-back for the first time in their history.
New Zealand will be battling it out with the Los Pumas of Argentina. The traditional rugby house are out to stamp their dominance by regaining the title.
Rugby World Cup semi-final pairings
Timings in EAT
New Zealand vs Argentina -20/10/23 2200hrs – Stade de France, Saint-Denis
England vs South Africa – 21/10/23 2200hrs – Stade de France, Saint-Denis
