The semis kicked off on Saturday with a classic brutal encounter between South Africa and the All Blacks. The match was close all the way through played in pretty difficult wet conditions. New Zealand always looked like they had an edge over the Springboks, and played a smart game pinning them back in their own 22. By their high standards in such a big game, who wants to have only a 2 point lead at the end , when one good break out and bit of luck could take everything away from you. But, all in all, job done, into the final and no more injuries. The Springboks meanwhile, weren’t happy with the loss, but with a lot of young players, they are only going to get better.
After that tense game, Argentina v Australia was a lot more open affair. The Pumas started in the worst possible way, conceding a try in the first few minutes, and another try not too long after that. After that the match swung backwards and forwards, Australia scored some good tries, the Pumas kicked their kicks and worked their way back into the match, until Drew Mitchell’s run eventually took the game away from them. Like Ireland, I think they put too much into their previous match. So no fairy tale ending for Argentina, but their future is shaping up well. Australia are into a final, their first against the All blacks at the World Cup. And fittingly, it’s the two form teams that will contest the 2015 final.
Saturday, October 24
New Zealand 20 - 18 South Africa
Sunday, October 25
Argentina 15 - 29 Australia
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