The Rugby World Cup semi-finals have set up an exciting finale between the All Blacks and the Springboks. Both teams have a chance to break records and make history. The Springboks have never lost a final and are aiming to become the second team to win back-to-back titles. The All Blacks have already made history by reaching their fifth final, with their only previous defeat at this stage coming against South Africa in 1995. Will Jordan of New Zealand could also make history by becoming the first player to score nine tries in a single men’s tournament.
In the bronze final, Argentina and England, who were both disappointed in the semi-finals, will face each other. Now let’s take a look at how the semi-finals unfolded.
In the first semi-final between Argentina and New Zealand, Will Jordan stole the show by scoring a hat-trick. His final try in the 73rd minute made him the third player to achieve this feat in a men’s Rugby World Cup semi-final. He now joins the likes of Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana, and Julien Savea as players with eight tries in a single tournament. New Zealand dominated the match, with Jordie Barrett, Shannon Frizell (twice), and Aaron Smith also scoring. Argentina could only manage two penalties from Emiliano Boffelli in response.
The second semi-final between England and South Africa was a tense affair. Handré Pollard’s 50m penalty in the final minutes gave the Springboks a narrow 16-15 victory. England had taken a 15-6 lead with four penalties and a drop goal from Owen Farrell. However, the Springboks fought back with four scrum-penalties and a try from RG Snyman. Pollard’s conversion brought them within a penalty of victory. In the 78th minute, Pollard seized the opportunity and secured the win for South Africa.
So, the stage is set for an epic final between the All Blacks and the Springboks. Records will be broken, and history will be made at Stade de France. It’s a match you won’t want to miss!