An extraordinary week-end of quarter-final action has delivered the four teams that will compete in next week-end's semi-finals at the Stade de France. Three teams from the southern hemisphere together with England will gather in Paris knowing victory means the chance to lift the Webb Ellis trophy the following Saturday in the final.
On Friday 20th October it is Semi-final 1, Argentina vs New Zealand. Los Pumas, coached by Australian Michael Chieka, safely navigated their quarter-final in Marseille by defeating Wales (27-19), the latter's only loss at this world cup. After the game Chieka was asked whether Argentina can now go all the way to the final. "We will wait and see. We are just thrilled to be going to Paris, we haven't had a taste of it yet at this World Cup. I know we won't be favourites (in the semi-final) but we'll be giving it our best."
In Paris a few hours later the All Blacks and the recent world number 1 ranked side Ireland (now ranked 3rd) came together in another eagerly awaited clash, with New Zealand edging a dramatic contest (28-24) to condemn the Irish to their eighth Rugby World Cup quarter final defeat. The last time Argentina faced New Zealand was in the Rugby Championship back in July. On home soil Los Pumas struggled to contain the All Blacks who romped to victory scoring seven tries (12-41).
The All Blacks number eight Ardie Savea was named the Mastercard Player of the Match. "It was one of those test matches that was a battle. To go out there and play against a world-class Irish squad, we gave the fans what they wanted. This Irish team have set the standard this whole year. I just want to send love to them. I am just so proud of my boys."
Semi-final 2 on Saturday 21st October will pitch the reigning world champions South Africa (and now the number 1 ranked side in the world) against England (now ranked 5th), a repeat of the 2019 World Cup Final in Japan. England had to work hard on Sunday afternoon to remain unbeaten in this tournament with Fiji taking them right to the wire in Marseille (30-24).
Captain Owen Farrell kicked a total of 20 points with Fiji scoring three ties to their opponents two. After the final whistle the England coach Steve Borthwick was full of praise for the Flying Fijians. "What a performance by Fiji, not just tonight but this World Cup. What a team they are. Well coached and jam-packed with world-class talent. We knew it was going to be a tough game and it was."
In arguably one of the greatest games in the history of the World Cup, South Africa completed the semi-final line up by knocking out host nation France in a thrilling end to end game that saw seven tries and the Springboks prevail by a single point (29-28).
They now face the only northern hemisphere side left in the competition with South Africa's head coach, Jacques Nienaber, already looking ahead to England in Semi Final 2 next Saturday. "Massive. I think it’s going to be a nice challenge. In knockouts anything can happen".
The road to Paris may have ended for the losing quarter finalists but for fans looking to experience the semi-finals and the final the journey continues. Official hospitality provides access to some of the best seats in the stadium with Le Village and Rugby House the only options available now. Both provide pre and post match hospitality, 2hrs 30 mins before the 9pm kick off (local time) and for 90 mins after the final whistle.
For fans of the semi-finalists who are confident their team is going to make it all the way, then check out DAIMANI's World Cup Glory Packs. On offer for a limited time only, this exclusive deal offers you the opportunity to purchase Official Hospitality for your team's semi-final and the final at the most competitive price on the market. Starting from €3600.00 click the above and book while stocks last.
