All Blacks v Argentina: How the world media reacted to All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup semifinal win
It was too easy, too predictable, and, after the thrilling sport that had taken place in the same stadium the previous weekend, it was a shocking World Cup knock-out. The Stade de France had been a great place to watch the best of top-class test rugby, but this semi was such a one-sided affair that it put the event in doubt.
Argentina were simply not up to the task, and when the All Blacks scored their third try late in the first half, there was a sense of foreboding in the crowd. It was like a training session for Ian Foster’s team, and Will Jordan scored a good hat-trick in the second half, but it felt like a wasted effort in the circumstances. Thousands of empty seats were left by the time the final whistle hit.
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‘All Blacks will take some stopping’
New Zealand are just 80 minutes away from creating a new chapter in their storied rugby history, having won four World Cups in a row. With an extra day to rest before next Saturday’s final, whoever they face, the All Blacks will be a force to be reckoned with. Argentina had no answer to New Zealand, allowing seven tries in the final to finish second. The All Blacks’ ability to control the scoreboard allows them to dictate the game, and they have the competition’s most in-form player in Richie Mo’unga.
They also have the lethal Will Jordan, who has a record-breaking eight tries to his name, and he will be the first to acknowledge the hard work of the All Black pack. New Zealand’s strength lies in their ability to convert a higher percentage of chances than most teams.
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Former All Black Israel Dagg:
Nobody in New Zealand, in my opinion, anticipated that we would be competing in a World Cup final. Let’s face it, many individuals have doubts about what has happened and may still have them. Mixed selection, mixed results, and questions about our level of competence. We are now entering a World Cup final.
“Fozzy is going to be happy. Everyone has backed the opposition. He has remained true to himself and what he stands for, and he might even go out on top. He is a devoted man.
