Rugby World Cup 2021 semi-final between New Zealand and Argentina
The long-awaited semi-final of the 2021 Rugby World Cup took place last Friday at the Stade de France, pitting the formidable New Zealand All Blacks against the Argentinian Pumas. The match ended in a resounding victory for New Zealand, who left their opponent no chance by winning the match with a clear score of 44 to 6.
From the first minutes of play, it was clear that New Zealand were in total control of the game. Their strategy of favoring touches in the Argentinian camp to score tries paid off, with a first try scored in the 11th minute by Will Jordan. The Pumas, for their part, struggled to be effective in their offensive actions, failing to worry their opponents despite numerous attempts.
The All Blacks took advantage of every opportunity to score points and extend their lead on the scoreboard. Jordie Barrett and Shannon Frizell successively scored two more tries, putting their team ahead 20-6 at half-time. The second half was more of the same, with the New Zealanders hitting the nail on the head by scoring three more tries, including a magnificent hat-trick from Will Jordan. The Argentines, for their part, were powerless against the domination of the All Blacks, committing hand faults and often finding themselves blocked by the opposing defense.
New Zealand thus confirmed its status as favorite to win the Rugby World Cup, showing technical mastery and formidable power. The New Zealand coach, Ian Foster, has also decided to spare his senior players by replacing them in the 55th minute, in order to preserve them for the grand final which will take place on October 29. The only downside in this performance was scorer Richie Mo’unga who missed four conversions.
The All Blacks can now calmly prepare for their fifth World Cup final, while the Argentine Pumas will have to analyze their shortcomings and learn from this defeat to continue to progress. In the meantime, all eyes are on the second semi-final which will pit South Africa against England, a meeting which promises to be intense and indecisive. The suspense is at its peak and rugby fans are impatiently waiting to see the poster for the long-awaited final.