NEWS

Who is winning the World Cup semi-finals after rugby’s greatest weekend’?  

Down to the last four. The Rugby World Cup has been dramatic, scintillating, and emotional, to say the least. And while Canadian and American fans no doubt have watched through gritted teeth – trust me, I feel your pain – spectators around the world have been spoiled by our sport, in France. The gladiator arena leaves Argentina, New Zealand, England and South Africa to fight it out. Who will book their place in the final on October 28th is soon to be decided?

Last weekend’s quarter-finals have been lauded by many as rugby’s “greatest weekend”; I would have to agree. Not one of the four games disappointed as they all went down to the wire. Our South American friends, Argentina, helped by Miami Sharks scrum half Tomás Cubelli, decided to roll up their sleeves, ditch the mediocre performances of the group stages and mix passion with physicality. In a game where Wales were potentially deemed as favorites, commanded by fly half Dan Bigger, in his last occasion wearing the red of Wales, the Argentinians, and their fans displayed a sea of blue. A try-saving tackle by Matias Moroni on Welsh winger, Louis Rees-Zammit, epitomized the Pumas’ spirit in stopping Wales at all costs. The chants of the crowd, usually heard in the soccer stadiums, deafened Marseille and brought a smile to those watching at home. I couldn’t help but feel happy for Argentina as they won 29-17, booking a spot in the semi-finals.

Their upcoming opponents were then decided by the titanic battle that unfolded in Paris a few hours later, as Ireland took on New Zealand. A game that probably had rugby players, past or present, watching on in awe. The quality, the power, the skill, and minute-to-minute competitiveness was something I had never seen before. Two of the best sides in the world going hammer and tong – the physicality was off the charts! I watched the game with an Irish household in San Diego, wearing my Boston Celtics top to illustrate my support for the number-one-ranked side in the world. Deep down, I wanted Jonny Sexton and his Irish comrades to go on and seize history in making Ireland’s first-ever semi-final.

But never write off the All Blacks. New Zealand players are born to play at the highest levels. Ma’a Nonu, former All Blacks legend and San Diego Legion teammate, always said to me that you simply “learn how to win” when you’re with the ABs. On Saturday, they did just that. Sam Cane and Ardie Savea were seismic, ridiculously good at the breakdown, and monstrous in the contact area. Richie Mo’unga steered the ship, and Jordie Barrett’s boot proved pivotal in breaking Irish hearts with a 28-24 victory.

How could Saturday be topped? We only had to wait until the next day to witness our sport exhibiting its quality again! England and crowd favorites Fiji were the first to go against each other. The Flying Fijians have shown everyone at this World Cup their incredible talent, doing things with a rugby ball that most of us could only dream of. Last Sunday was no different as majestic back-to-back tries from Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu in the second half had England fearing a quarter-final exit. But this English side is stubborn. A lot has been said about their unattractive style of play, but they held onto their 30-24 lead, led by captain Owen Farrell and spirited by the incredible performance of flanker Ben Earl. They found another gear and remain unbeaten. England has enough big-time, experienced players to take them into any challenge that presents itself in their upcoming semi-final.

Sunday concluded with South Africa and hosts France aiming to claim the final spot in the last four of the Rugby World Cup. If any emotional energy was left watching these incredible knockout games, it most certainly was emptied by the events that unfolded in Paris. France, energized by the return of the captain Antoine Dupont, had their nation behind them. South Africa, deemed as the side with the most power and depth, going after back-to-back World Cup titles. It proved to be an epic battle! A game that embedded and flowed, France illustrated the sublime while the Springboks showed their ruthlessness and physicality. Dupont displayed his class, and Eben Etzebeth was like a man possessed. It was rugby from another planet!

In the end, South Africa’s kicking game and power was the difference. I was gutted for the hosts. Part of me wanted them to go all the way at this World Cup to keep the home fans alive. It wasn’t to be, in a game of small margins, it can be argued that Thomas Ramos’ conversation, charged down by Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe, proved the difference as South Africa ruined the French dream and held on to a historic 29-28 win.

So, there you have it, Argentina will take on New Zealand, and South Africa face England. Two semi-finals that certainly have the favorites and the underdogs. Personally, it’s hard to look past New Zealand and South Africa not making the final, but this is knockout rugby, anything can happen. Argentina is at their most dangerous when they have nothing to lose and will no doubt be looking back over tape from their victory against the All Blacks last year in Christchurch.

England must find another gear – or even two / three gears – to beat the Springboks. But as mentioned, they have enough experienced players who have played before in a World Cup semi-final and final, wishing for revenge after their defeat to South Africa four years ago in Japan. Needless to say, like for Argentina, it will be a tough ask. I think the All Blacks and the Springboks simply have too much dynamism and will likely go on to meet each other on October 28th.

The gladiator arena of the final four awaits. So, wherever you are, buckle up and get excited! Who do you think will be victorious?

By former USA Eagle and San Diego Legion player, Will Hooley.