The Battle for the Rugby World Cup: Argentina vs. New Zealand – Can the Pumas Make History?

This Friday, October 20, Argentina and New Zealand face each other in the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup. The Argentines have never reached the final of a World Cup, and they dream of creating the feat.

New Zealand and Argentina play on two distinct planets, which will have to align perfectly in the semi-final of the World Cup, this Friday, October 20 at the Stade de France, for the Pumas to prevent the All Blacks from getting closer. little more than a fourth historic coronation. The New Zealanders, favorites for this meeting, still played the card of caution this week in front of the microphones, with the decorum required on such an occasion.

Scrum half Aaron Smith notably recalled the “painful” memory of the semi-final lost against England (19-7) four years ago in Japan. “It’s a big source of motivation for the guys who were there,” he testified. “This pain helped us get back to work after an emotional match against Ireland,” added Aaron Smith.

“They are used to surpassing themselves in the World Cup”

“We have learned to have the greatest respect for Argentina. They are used to surpassing themselves in the World Cup and have done a fantastic job to get this far,” said All Blacks coach Ian Foster when unveiling his team composition. It includes two changes compared to the one lined up last Saturday against the XV of Clover: Sam Whitelock, the most capped All Black of all time (151 caps), replaces Brodie Retallick in the second row, and Mark Tele’a returns to the wing LEFT.

The return of Tele’a, author of three tries in two matches, does not seem to worry his Argentinian counterpart Emiliano Boffelli too much: “I know who he is, that he is fast and powerful, that he played well against France (…), but I prefer to concentrate on what I can do rather than on my opponent. Like their striker, who shines today on the French lawns after failing to make his mark at Racing 92, the Pumas are approaching the third World Cup semi-final in their history (after 2007 and 2015) with an astonishing serenity.

“History does not plead in our favor”

“Everyone expects a final between New Zealand and South Africa”, opposed to England on Saturday in the other semi-final, noted their coach Michael Cheika. “History does not plead in our favor, but it is up to us to reverse this trend,” added the Australian, who only made one change in his starting XV with the return of Gonzalo Bertranou at scrum half.

The South Americans, whose tournament is already successful no matter what, have broken down a psychological barrier by dominating the Blacks twice in 2020 and 2022. “It’s proof that we can beat anyone . We have confidence in our team and in our players. “It’s time to have the match of our lives,” hooker and captain Julian Montoya convinced himself.